“I started coming to YMCA Dublin when I was around 11 or 12. It all started with the homework club, but soon I got involved in football and other activities. It was a great way to unwind after school and have a laugh with friends, and it just became part of my routine – I was going maybe three times a week.”
For Luke, YMCA Dublin wasn’t just about sports or events -it was a community. The youth workers and his peers created a supportive space where he could talk openly and find encouragement when things got tough.
“If you had any problems—whether it was school, home, or friends—you knew you could talk to someone who actually cared. That trust made a huge difference. I remember struggling with schoolwork once, and a youth worker sat down with me, helped me break things down, and reassured me. It wasn’t a big thing, but it really helped.”
Trips and summer camps were also a huge part of his experience, giving him the chance to build resilience, create friendships, and try new things.
“There was this one inflatable water park we all looked forward to every year. It became a thing everyone talked about—we’d race each other, mess around, and just have the best time. And then there were the summer camps, where we’d stay up late, play games, and just enjoy being kids. It was something to look forward to every summer.”
“”I spent so many years here, so coming back as a volunteer felt natural. I already knew the place, the staff, and even some of the young people. It felt like home. It didn’t feel like work—it just felt like continuing something I’d always been part of.”
As a volunteer youth worker, Luke now sees youth work from the other side—facilitating programmes, supporting young people, and contributing to the same environment that helped shape him. His experience has reinforced his belief in early intervention and the importance of positive role models.
Luke believes that youth services play a vital role in keeping young people engaged, providing structure outside of school, and offering a safe space for those facing challenges.
“Young people need somewhere to go where they can just be themselves. Sometimes, they might have stuff going on at home, or in school, or with their mates, and having a place like this just makes a huge difference. It’s not even always about the activities, it’s just about knowing there’s someone there who actually listens.”
He strongly encourages others to take advantage of the opportunities youth services provide.
“I’d say just give it a go. Even if you think it’s not for you, just try it. There are loads of different things to do—sports, social events, or just a space to chill with friends. The more you get involved, the more fun it is. I’ve seen people come in really shy at first, and a few weeks later, they’re chatting to everyone and getting stuck into everything.”
Luke’s experience shows the long-term impact of youth work. YMCA Dublin gave him more than just a place to go—it gave him friendships, confidence, and support when he needed it most. Now, as a volunteer youth worker, he’s helping to provide that same experience for the next generation.
When communities invest in young people, they’re not just supporting them in the moment—they’re creating opportunities that last a lifetime.