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Youth Matters Awards

Celebrating young people, staff and volunteers

Established in 2009, the YMCA Youth Matters Awards are an annual celebration of the incredible work local YMCAs do every day, highlighting the stories, people and projects that make a lasting difference.

Fourteen award categories represent the exceptional skills and achievements exhibited by young people over the past year and the incredible work delivered by more than 80 local YMCAs. Each award is judged by YMCA leaders, industry experts and young people.

We are excited to announce that this year’s awards will be held on Friday 13 November at Old Billingsgate, London, EC3.

Success Stories

“The Youth Matters Awards changed by life back in 2021 when I was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year. Back then, I was a volunteer finding my feet, getting back into working life. The ceremony showed me how many people try to do good things for others even when they may be going through it themselves. The award helped me secure a full-time job with my local YMCA and the opportunities it opened are endless, and still coming through now. I have been honoured to present and judge an award in following years. The young people inspire me every year and remind me why I do what I do, without fail.”

Martin Bushaway, Young Volunteer of the Year 2021

Meet the 2025 finalists and award recipients

Explore their stories

Sponsor the Youth Matters Awards

Become a sponsor

1st Waste Management

Why Sponsor the Youth Matters Awards

Align your organisation with one of England and Wales’ most inspiring community events – where change is celebrated and future leaders are recognised. Sponsors play a vital role in making this evening possible, helping us:

Amplify impact across YMCAs
Showcase innovation and best practice
Bring together more than 500 YMCA community leaders, staff and supporters for a memorable evening
Support community-focused programmes that transform lives

Interested in partnering with us?

Get in touch

Table Sponsor

1^st Waste Management have been with YMCA for 14 years, we provide waste management services to all of the retail sector and are big supporters and regular sponsors of YMCA.

An unforgettable evening

“…honestly, I just feel so inspired. I just feel like everybody here is making such a difference. I think sometimes we lose sight of what’s important, and people that are here are making a real, real difference and they deserve to be shouted about and celebrated.”

Scarlett Moffatt, TV Presenter and our 2024 Awards Host

“All the reasons that you’d want to support YMCA have been right here in this room tonight, the people that work with the YMCA are doing some of the hardest work in our society and some of the young people that are taking it on and who are also benefiting from it, couldn’t be better ambassadors.”

Julie Etchingham, ITV News Presenter

“It’s an honour… Standing in this room now, with so many incredible people, celebrating so many incredible people and stories, for me, is really inspirational.”

Richie Anderson, TV and Radio Presenter and our 2025 Awards Host