New memberships
Available in Wandsworth Borough Council
How to get started
We are pleased to be able to offer a range of brand new memberships for our Wandsworth community.
Please see below for the different types of complimentary memberships available.
To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.
Once you have created your free Places membership, please take your proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will assign your membership to your account, and your membership card will be issued if and when required.
For more information, please take a look at our FAQs.
We have the following memberships available. Please click on the button to find out more.
Intensive Swimming lessons for all
From April 2024, we will offer free intensive swimming lessons for children aged 9-12 (school years 5, 6 and 7.) These lessons are specifically for children who cannot swim.
Lessons include five consecutive days of a 30-minute group, intensive swimming lessons (4 days on weeks with a bank holiday)
These sessions will run throughout the school holidays at Balham Leisure Centre, Latchmere Leisure Centre (Located in Battersea), Tooting Leisure Centre and Putney Leisure Centre.
How many children are in a class?
There will be a maximum of 12 children to 1 teacher, per 30 minute class.
What do I need to bring with me?
Children need to bring swimming attire and a towel (leggings and a t-shirt are not permitted.) Swimming hats and goggles are also recommended.
Can my child attend every holiday?
Children can only attend one course to ensure all eligible children in Wandsworth have this opportunity. If you miss a day within your booked week, we are unable to offer a make-up lesson.
What if my child wishes to continue learning to swim following the end of the course?
Please visit our online booking system to check availability and details on our weekly Learn to Swim programme. Click your centre below to view the corresponding online booking system.
For more information, please visit our website
Under 8's swim free
Free swimming for all under 8’s. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (one adult to two under 8’s). Must be a resident of Wandsworth to be eligible.
Free school meals memberships
We are pleased to offer a free one-year membership to school children up to 18 years old who receive free school meals within Wandsworth Borough Council.
This membership provides access to off-peak and weekend swimming, gym access during junior gym times, and sports hall bookings for activities such as squash, badminton, basketball, and short tennis. Please note that outdoor pitches are not included in this offer.
Children under the age of 8 years old can also enjoy Playzone for free.
The membership covers one adult and up to two children (children must be registered with the parent). As per our policies, children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent in accordance with the required supervision ratios.
You also have the option to upgrade the free school meals membership to a peak membership for £15 per month, or pay £2.50 per session for gym and swimming during peak hours.
Please be aware that available activities may change at any time.
Foster carers
If you are currently a foster carer in Wandsworth Borough Council, we would love to offer you a free 1 year Premium membership to use at any of our centres within Wandsworth.
You can add up to 4 juniors on this membership.
For more information on this membership and eligibility, please take a look at our frequently asked questions.
Care leavers
If you are an adult who has spent time in care whilst under the age of 18, we are offering you a 50% discounted Premium membership at just £20 per month
This membership is available to care leavers aged 16 – 25 years old.
You can add up to 4 juniors onto this membership.
For more information on this membership and eligibility, please take a look at our frequently asked questions.
Asylum seekers
How do I register?
To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.
Once you have created this, you will need to take proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will then assign your membership to your account, and membership cards will be issued if and when required.
What proof of eligibility do I need to show?
You will need to show your ARC permit.
What do I have access to?
You will have access to free off peak and weekend swimming and gym.
Do my children also have access? If so, what do they have access to?
Yes, your children are eligible for free swim and junior swim off-peak. No restriction on how many children, however we ask you limit the ratio to 2 children to 1 adult for swimming activities.
Can I upgrade to a Premium membership at a discounted price?
Any upgrade would be at a cost.
Which centres have swimming facilities?
Universal Credit
If you are receiving Universal Credit, we would like to offer you a free 6-month membership that includes free access to swimming and gym facilities during off-peak hours and weekends.
Adults have the option to upgrade to a peak membership for £21.50 per month. Or can pay £5 per session to attend classes, the gym and swimming at peak times.
Also, for those receiving Jobseeker's Allowance, we offer lifeguard training for up to two people each month. T&C's apply.
Or click the button below to see a full list of eligible groups, who can benefit from the Access For All scheme
Eligibility for the Access for All offer
The offer is open to Wandsworth residents only. The following people are eligible for this offer:
- Children in receipt of free school meals (all ages)
- Asylum seekers/refugees
- Looked after children/care leavers
The offer can also be claimed by those in receipt of:
- Universal Credit
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit/Severe Disablement Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Child and Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (plus those eligible but not receiving it)
Proof of eligibility
You will be required to show proof of eligibility to take advantage of the offer.
Drop in sessions
Over the school holidays we offer additional free drop-in sessions across our leisure centres. See timetable below:
Monday
10.00am-11.00am: Basketball - Roehampton
1.45pm-2.30pm: Squash - Balham
7.30pm-9.30pm - Badminton - Roehampton
Tuesday
11.00pm-12.00pm: Table Tennis - Tooting
1.00pm - 3.00pm: Table Tennis - Roehampton
3.00pm-4.00pm: Football - Latchmere
Wednesday
1.45pm-2.30pm: Squash - Balham
6.30pm - 8.30pm: Pickleball - Roehampton
Thursday:
10.00am-11.00am: Basketball - Roehampton
8.00pm -10.00pm: Badminton - Tooting
3.00pm-4.00pm: Football - Latchmere
Friday:
1.00pm - 3.00pm: Multi Sports - Roehampton
1.45pm-2.30pm: Squash - Balham
Saturday:
10.00am-11.00am: Basketball - Roehampton Centre
Sunday:
2.00pm-4.00pm: Pickleball - Tooting
1.45pm-2.30pm: Squash - Balham