Setting up a Youth Club

Voluntary Youth Work

On an annual basis, there are over 2,000 adult volunteers involved in 105 plus volunteer-led youth clubs and groups across the City of Dublin. Evidence indeed, that volunteering is at the heart of the everyday fabric of community-based youth work provision and one of the most significant and sustainable resources the youth sector possesses across the city.

The contribution of these volunteers, in terms of their engagement with young people and the experience they bring to the non-formal learning process, is of inestimable value. Without a doubt it is perhaps because the concept of volunteerism is central to youth work that it reaches so many young people, and it is an extremely important and positive influence in today’s society.

Setting up a youth club or group?

If there are no youth clubs or groups in your area you might want to consider starting your own. Starting a youth group can be incredibly rewarding for both you and the young people in your community, but it also requires a lot of dedication, time, effort and planning. Partnering with an established national youth organisation (list can be found here) or working alongside a youth worker can help make the process smoother and provide the support you need, especially if you're new to organising or managing youth initiatives.

Key considerations

If you are considering setting up a club/group, these are just some of key questions you should consider before starting the process:

What is the purpose of the youth club?
What are the specific needs of the community you’re serving?
Decide on the target group and the age of the young people you wish to serve. (Youth clubs generally cater to ages 10-21, but you can specify the range that suits your objectives).
Where will the club meet?
List the types of activities and programmes the youth club will offer.
How will you establish a team to help run the club?
How will you ensure volunteers are garda vetted and trained in safeguarding young people, first aid, and managing youth groups effectively?
What are the estimated costs of setting up and running the club and what are the funding sources? (Further information on grants available through the City of Dublin Youth Services can be found on our website here).
What are the insurance requirements?
How will you create and promote a supportive and inclusive environment?
How will you promote and launch the club?

In considering these questions you will find a range of resources and steps to follow for setting up your youth club/group here:

By contemplating these questions, undertaking key steps and involving young people in the process, you can establish a youth club that is safe and empowering. This will offer valuable opportunities for personal growth, community building, and social engagement for young people in your local community.