The organisation began life as the 'National Organisation of Girls Clubs', with the original purpose of supporting clubs for women factory workers.
Reflecting the changes in society and the lives of young people, the organisation became the 'National Association of Girls Clubs and Mixed Clubs' (1944) and later re-named itself the 'National Association of Youth Clubs' (1961). In 1987 the Charity became known as Youth Clubs UK.
We acquired Avon Tyrrell (as our national activity & residential centre) via a kind donation from Lord Manners in 1946. It was oficially opened 'for the youth of the nation' in July 1949 by Princess Elizabeth.
In 2001, our 90th Anniversary year, the organisation's name was changed to 'UK Youth' to more accurately reflect our focus on the concerns, interests and lives of young people, rather than on any particular setting in which they meet.
Quality programmes and services are delivered through our membership of 40 local associations in England as well as national members in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and an expanding network of other organisations that recognise and value youth work approaches.
Avon Tyrrell in the New Forest became UK Youth's registered office in 2006. We are rapidly approaching our centenary in 2010/11 with a series of events planned to celebrate the work of the charity.
infed.org, the informal education archives project, has compiled a more thorough overview of the life and times of UK Youth, from the origins as the 'National Organisation of Girls Clubs', through to the present.
