Volunteer with us!

The North Merchiston Club (NMC), founded in 1921, provides community-based sporting and recreational facilities, services and activities for adults, children and families living within the boundaries of the City of Edinburgh Council. For over 100 years, the NMC has been working collaboratively within and across communities to identify needs that lead to new and improved initiatives by: 

• providing a relaxed, affordable, inclusive and accessible environment, 

• giving people somewhere on their doorstep that can offer fun and respite 

• advancing education and participation in sport and recreation, 

• promoting services that enhance the wellbeing of all ages 

• working with authorities & voluntary organisations with similar objectives 

This old building requires constant attention to its upkeep and many of our groups and activities depend on the support of dedicated volunteers.   

Below are a range of opportunities for you to volunteer with us. Please contact our Club Manager Caroline Roberts by popping in to the Club Office or send an email to caroline@northmerchiston.co.uk. All are welcome. 

Board Trustees   

We have ambitious plans for the future expansion of our sports and wellbeing services to better meet the needs of our local community. We are a registered charity operated as a company limited by guarantee. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the strategy and policies of North Merchiston Club and guides and supports the Club’s staff. The Board are also trustees of the charity.    

To help us improve and grow we are looking for new members to join our Board. We are particularly keen to recruit members who have one or more of the following skills:    

• Board experience with another charity or community organisation   

• Strong communication and advocacy skills   

• Management of a community sports facility/hub   

• Ability to build partnerships with schools, local authorities, and sports organisations   

• Building Management   

• Legal experience   

• Fundraising for community programs   

Please note that the above list of experience is desired but not essential for us to consider your application.   

The Board are committed to be representative of the people the Club serves, and welcome applications from those with lived experience of disability or are from underrepresented communities.    

Board meetings are held every two months at the Club’s premises at 48 Watson Crescent, normally on a Tuesday evening between 5pm and 7pm. Board members can also be requested to serve on sub-committees and are encouraged to adopt links with particular areas of the Club’s activities.   

To note your interest and find out more about joining the Board, please contact the Ann Roberts (ann@northmerchiston.co.uk) by the 2nd of June 2025 with a short statement of why you are interested in joining the Board and what contribution you believe you can make.   

Friends of North Merchiston Club. 

All of volunteer and fundraising efforts are supported by members of Friends of North Merchiston Club. Our friends include parents of the children who attend our activities, older people who have been using the Club all their loves, young people who have attended events here and members of our gym Club too. All are welcome to participate in any of the volunteer options below.   

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Fund Raising  

We are a charity that operates out of a building that is over 100 years old and is always needing attention. We are always looking for ways to raise money to purchase materials and pay for professional help. Look out for notices around the Club highlighting our fund-raising efforts 

If have ideas or skills applying for grants/finding to increase the services, we provide to the community please reach out to us.  

Building Refurbishment Group  

If you have the time and trade skills to help Sean our Buildings Manager, take care of this building, we would love to have you join the above group. We have a rolling plan for upgrading and maintaining the building and any help we can get to do this is very welcome.   

Social Media Support 

Having help to raise the profile of the Club and attract more attendees to keep us financially viable would be most welcome.