Nippers Season 2026/27- Age Managers Expressions of Interest
The running of Nippers each season required hundreds of volunteer shifts to be filled. Some of the most important roles are Age Manager roles. Without Age Managers the program cannot run. In recent years, we have opened the program registrations without filling these roles. Last season we found we were scrambling to fill these (thank you to those who answered the last-minute call). As such, there will be a new process for season 2026-27.
In 2026-27, we will only open age groups for registration in October if we have 2 Age Managers for each group confirmed. (Note: For most age groups in 2025-26 we ran 3 groups for each age group. To achieve this in 2026-27 we will require 6 Age Managers for year age group).
This is where you come in - we are seeking expressions of interest for Age Managers for the 2026-27 season. This isn’t a binding commitment; however, it will greatly assist with planning. In August / September we will seek confirmation from those who expressed interest to confirm availability.
A huge thank you to those who have already put your hands up for Age Manager roles for the season.
What’s in it for you? It will guarantee your child a place in the program for the 2026-27 program and that your child’s age group will run.
What happens if we don’t get sufficient Age Managers across all sessions / age groups? The program will be run in a limited form only. We will only open registrations where we have confirmed Age Managers.
Important information:
Program Dates: Monday 28 December to Sunday 3 January (New Years Day is a rest day)
Tentative Schedule: Subject to the number of Age Managers, the program will run the following schedule (at Cleeland unless specified):
Session 1 : U6, U7, U8, U10, U12 (Smiths)
Session 2 : U7, U9, U11, U13 (Smiths)
Session times: Sessions will run from between 90min and up to 2 hours.
Expectations of an Age Manager:
Woolamai Beach SLSC is fortunate to have Junior Age Managers (JAMs) run the bulk of the Nippers program, including the educational component. However, it is important that they are supported by adult volunteers.
Age Managers will be expected to support the JAMs to run the activities, keep the kids focused and engaged, help set up activities, generally make sure the kids are having a good and safe time, manage any parents who may have questions and support the JAMs build their confidence (if required).
Some training is required – there are 2 online courses if you are a new Age Manager, or a refresher course if you’re a returning Age Manager. This training can be done well ahead of the program commencement in December. In addition, there is an in-person briefing required on the day prior to the start of Nippers (typically late afternoon).
Age Managers are required to undertake the role for the full week. This not only ensures we have full coverage but allows a strong rapport to be built between the JAMs, Age Managers and the kids.
Note: We are not distinguishing between Age Managers and Assistant Age Managers for the upcoming season. Therefore, 2 Age Managers are required for each group to run.
How to express interest: Please send an email to: juniordevelopment@woolamaibeach.asn.au with the following information by Sunday 12 July:
Parents name with Working with Children Check number
Child’s Name with Data of Birth
If you have more than one child, please provide the details for the child whose age group you wish to support