Most Wimbledon fans don’t realise, but volunteers from the British Armed Forces play a vital role at the event, as Cerys Jones and Amelia Cox found out.
From its all-white uniforms to its delicious strawberries and cream, Wimbledon is a tournament of tradition, but one tradition goes more unnoticed than the rest. 

Since Wimbledon began, military stewards from across the British Armed Forces have stood proud on the sidelines. They assist with crowd management, ensure safety and work together to provide a welcoming atmosphere. 

Sidelines speaks to three dedicated volunteers who gave up their time to help the Wimbledon Championships run.

Ann Miller-McCaffrey: A Wimbledon veteran

Ann Miller-McCaffrey joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service in 1987. Since then, she has travelled the world, worked with the Royal Marines and worked with the Fleet Air Arm. 

Amongst the many experiences she’s gained from working in the Navy is her time stewarding at Wimbledon. 

“As a thank you to military people after the Second World War, the club invited them along to do a role at the championships, and they obviously did such a good role, they’ve stayed ever since,” says Ann. 

During the Second World War, Wimbledon was used by the military and civil defence, which some say made it a target and resulted in the Centre Court suffering severe bomb damage. 

In 1946, the Championships resumed and the military were involved in directing people to their seats around the damage. 

Since then the relationship between Wimbledon and the military has grown even further.

“So every year there’s quite a number of us, and it’s increased actually as the years have gone by. I think this year there’s just under 500 of us that will be stewarding at Wimbledon,” says Ann. 

“I started in 1991 and I’ve done quite a few years, not every year, but quite a few and the role has been pretty much the same all the way through, just in different parts of the grounds.

Her journey at Wimbledon began in the press section, where her role was to check passes and make sure the right people were getting in. 

“I started out on the old number one court, which had the standard terraces at the back, sliding doors for the families and a small press area – which, when I think back now, wow, it was unique but also probably a bit of a health and safety nightmare!” says Ann.

Since then, she has worked across different courts, managed different roles and brushed shoulders with various celebrities. 

“I’ve met some amazing people and there aren’t many people that can say in their job they’ve met people like Beyonce, Jay-Z and Tom Cruise,” says Ann.  

“Another memorable moment was when Andy Murray won for the first time as well. That was… wow. The hairs on the back of my neck go up when I talk about it. 

“The Centre Court was so quiet, and then when he scored the point, the eruption of the crowd was just so loud.” 

During the week leading up to that match, Ann had built relationships with Murray’s family. She also built a connection with Roger Federer’s wife, and was the one to bring their children and nanny to the court to celebrate his win.

“It just shows that you’re not only doing a job, but the reputation that we’ve got as service people, the integrity and the loyalty and the honesty, I think, makes it extra special.”

“I think that’s what drives the club to keep us volunteering there as well, because they do get a good service from us,” says Ann.

Isabelle Yung: A first-time steward at Wimbledon Centre Court

For Officer Cadet Isabelle Yung, her experience at the highly prestigious Centre Court of Wimbledon began with a callout sent to her military branch. 

“Wimbledon was the first Championship and sports event that I have ever worked at, so I was extra excited,” says Isabelle.

“I was given the opportunity to steward at Wimbledon while part of the University Air Squadron (RAF Volunteer Reserves).”

Wimbledon is regarded by many as a once-in-a-lifetime event that creates lasting memories. 

“The most rewarding part would be being selected to steward on Centre Court for the Men’s Final on the last day of the Championships,” says Isabelle. “It felt like the perfect way to round off the two weeks.” 

“Another one of my highlights was seeing the Princess of Wales appear on the final day of the Championships, after her hiatus from duties due to her cancer treatment.” 

The Royal Family has long been associated with Wimbledon and as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, it’s the Princess of Wales’ job to present the trophies. 

 “I was part of the standing ovation that got everyone talking on social media. I’d never seen her in person before either, and as someone who was part of the military and an admirer of Kate’s work, that was a really special moment for me.” 

Isabelle’s role consisted of directing people to their seats, ensuring the well-being of the spectators and players, and maintaining the event’s traditions. 

“The volunteer workforce at Wimbledon covers a lot of different departments so without us, I think the whole event would be harder to manage,” she says. 

“Even though we don’t work for Wimbledon, we’re trained to know enough to answer questions from the public to the same standard as people who are directly employed with Wimbledon.” 

“A lot of volunteers return year after year because they’ve enjoyed the experience so much, and that helps to keep the tradition and heritage aspect of the Championships going,” she says. 

Every sports event has its challenges, whether that’s on or off the court. 

“I was based in Court 2, which is an outdoor court. In the first week, there was a lot of rain, really strong winds, and hail. My uniform was a short-sleeved shirt and skirt, which I wore every day of the championships,” says Isabelle.

“Wearing that in the windy weather was a physically and mentally challenging experience, especially when we had to stand there for a few hours at a time from early in the morning till late in the evening.” 

Cameron Young: A day in uniform at Wimbledon 

Cameron Young’s days at Wimbledon began in RAF number two uniforms – polished shoes, a short-sleeved shirt and woollen trousers.  

“I think it adds to the Britishness of the event, having the military there. I think it’s really nice to have that kind of show of uniform and represent the UK on that kind of level,” says Cameron. 

Cameron volunteered at Wimbledon in 2023, where he served as part of the uniformed military presence. 

“I can’t, unfortunately, do it again because I’m now commissioned, but it’s really good for the non-commissioned to be able to go and have a really good time,” says Cameron. 

While commissioned officers in the military are those regularly in charge of management and leadership, the opportunity at the Wimbledon Championships is only open to non-commissioned officers.