About

Background

The Leicestershire Association of Boys’ Clubs was formed in 1951 as a need for such an organisation working with boy and young men had become apparent.

The objects of the Association were to “promote the mental, physical, spiritual and social well being of all boys and especially those in poor circumstances....”

The objects were to be achieved by:

• Assisting in the work of existing Boys’ clubs and help in the formation of new Boys’ Clubs.
• To promote co-operation between constituent clubs especially by means of conferences, training courses, competitions and other means.
• To stimulate public interest in the work of Boys’ Clubs.
• To co-operate with other bodies, statutory and voluntary, interested in the welfare of boys and to act as a link between its constituent clubs and Government Departments and other public bodies and trusts.
• To raise and administer funds for the furtherance of the objects of the Association and to administer such money as may become available for the use of constituent clubs.
• To recruit and arrange training for leaders and helpers.
• To take futher action which may be for the welfare of Boys’ Clubs and their members.

The need for an organisation working with boys and young men is as relevant today as it was in 1947. Statistic show that the rate of offending by boys and young men is six times higher than for girls and young women. One half of all known offenders are under 21 years of age; the peak age for offending for males is 18 years. The remit for the work has widened and the term “Boys’ Club” refers to boys wherever they are i.e. in a Boys’ Club, open youth club or uniformed group, “in care” or as individuals.

Although focusing its work on the needs of boys and young men, the Association is mindful of the needs of girls and young women and works in close co-operation with all other youth organisations and agencies and especially through the Council for Voluntary Youth Services of which it is a member.

In 1991 the council of the National Association of Boys’ Clubs agreed to accept girls into the movement and July of 1993 changed the name to NABC Clubs for Young People

In 1993 the local Association became know as Leicestershire Clubs for Young People.

In 1994 a LCYP Development plan was published to compliment the local authority commissioning agreement with the Leicestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services. This has been regularly updated since 1995/6.

LCYP Development Plan

a) Club Support Services

County Staff regard as a priority the attendance at club management committee meeting so that help and advice can be offered in such areas as the constantly changing provision of youth service, legal matters, club building maintenance and development, fund raising strategies, insurance covering individuals, motor vehicles, buildings and their contents, training matters and the development of club programmes. In addition club management committees can make their needs and aspirations known to the county office. Regular ad hoc visits are made to the clubs to monitor the programmes, supervise staff and meet with young people.

b) Training

Training is an important area of work in the Association. Training of adults working with young people in a rapidly changing environment is essential so that they may be fully conversant with modern trends. Equally, skills training, much leading to a recognised proficiency certificate is essential. Training opportunities for club members are important for their own individual development.

c) Sports and activities

The county sports and activities Programme consists of sporting event which lead club members from club activities, through a series of area rounds to national competitions. The programme also includes outdoor-pursuits, which involves a residential experience. Activities are an important “vehicle” which provide opportunities for fun and enjoyment, friendship, new experiences, the development of new skills, fitness and health and by which those working with young people “deliver” personal and social development.

d) Working With Other Agencies

The role of the Leicestershire Clubs For Young People as a partner in the provision of a total youth service is vital. A close working relationship with other providers has been formed. The County Association is constantly sought by other youth organisations. One particular project focused on young people and crime and a part time youth worker was employed to work along side the other agencies on the Eyres Monsell estate. This project developed through funding from the National Lottery and continues today from funding from the Neighborhood Regeneration Agency and by utilising LCYP own reserves. Project funding has become an important factor in the development of LCYP. Work with the Local Network of Children’s Fund, NCH, and Connexions has enabled LCYP to begin to develop a mobile computer project.