Many young people, particularly those facing tough realities, live in families and communities with complex needs. Our public services and frontline workers are under pressure to provide person-centred responses in partnership with families and communities, that take account of the voices of the people they are there to serve. These are complex partnership systems with a multitude of barriers, boundaries and power dynamics built up, at times, over decades.

Columba 1400 is increasingly being asked to support such community partnerships with creating the enabling conditions for change. We create a space for dialogue and reflection between frontline workers and communities and encourage human interactions that break down these deep routed systems and create new pathways for working together underpinned by values.

We are working with What Matters To You (WM2U) and local authorities in Clackmannanshire and Dundee to provide bespoke values-based leadership experiences for community teams, young people and parents across both counties. These experiences help to create the conditions we need to change systems.

The following story was collected and written by WMTU’s Learning Partner about a group of young people in Dundee who took part in a Young People’s Leadership Academy:

The Dundee International Sports Club (DISC) community football group has been a well-established part of Stobswell in Dundee for over 26 years for up to 120 young people engaging each week. In December 2024, a small group of young people who regularly attended the sessions, but often stood on the sidelines rather than actively playing, were identified by Community Learning and Development (CLD) youth workers as having potential to develop their leadership skills. While not all of them were interested in football, they consistently showed up to be part of the sessions, and the youth workers recognised an opportunity to meaningfully engage them.

These young people were invited to take part in our Young People’s Leadership Academy (YPLA) to explore their values, skills, interests and needs – and what developed were ideas on how DISC could become a more inclusive and welcoming space, not just for those who play football, but for those who come to socialise and connect.

Many of the young people in this group have faced personal challenges, which don’t define them, but have shaped their perspectives and made them thoughtful, determined young people. The WM2U Learning Partner met with them in April 2025, several months after their YPLA experience, to hear what it meant to them and what they’d achieved since. The young people shared the following:

“I got involved because I felt like I had nothing better to do, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to learn more things, because I don’t do anything out of school. At first, I don’t think anyone was confident enough, but over time people became more confident and I learnt new skills, like I learnt that you are your own leader, you don’t have to follow what everyone else says, you have your own opinions. At first, I found it difficult to join into the activities, cos obviously I thought I would be judged if I got something wrong but over time, I thought ‘it’s fine’, because it was about the people, no-one was judgemental, you could say your own opinions without anyone judging you. That was the best thing about it. After the leadership academy, I wanted to keep engaging because I want people to know that I am a good person, and I want to be there for people. When I was younger, I would sit and listen to people’s problems, but I never got that back, until I started working with a CLD youth worker. I am excited about making the container a home for other people – a safe place. I feel proud of myself, even though that is not usually something I would say. I feel my life is getting back on track. It is helping me and others at the same time.”

“I was confused to what the leadership academy was, but I felt good that I got picked…We have a much better relationship with each other after the leadership experience. It helped with my confidence a bit more, I feel like I can speak better, and speak about whatever I want to say, and try new things. Now I just want to help people that need help. A lot of us in this group have been through a lot and not had the help from a lot of people. For me, after I got the help I needed, I felt so much better. I went through such a hard time, but the help made me feel so much better and happier. To be able to help people makes me feel better about myself. I am looking forward to getting more people to DISC and promoting DISC. The work isn’t just left to CLD youth work, we are part of the project.”

“It was a rocky road to begin with, but the CLD youth workers and Columba 1400 broke it down into parts, and we were able to learn about our values and leadership skills over time. I learnt that I don’t have to be afraid to say or do anything. I am putting myself up for more opportunities. I am looking forward to seeing the change, like seeing more people coming to DISC, and I feel proud because I have helped the group and come back each week.”

“We’ve learned how to help ourselves and help other people at the same time. We opened up more as time went on and started to learn that our opinions matter – we’re different, but we have similar views and experiences.”

Creating a new space at DISC

Since taking part in the YPLA, the group has gone on to design and renovate a previously unused and rundown shipping container into a vibrant, safe, and welcoming social space. Once described as “smelly” and forgotten, the container is now an inviting area for people to gather, relax, and connect. It holds up to 12 people and is designed with flexibility in mind – providing space for those who aren’t on the pitch, for parents watching football, and for people with disabilities.

Every decision, from the interior design to the layout and use, was made by the group themselves. They credit their leadership experience with giving them the confidence and teamwork skills to make it happen. The space now includes calming LED lights, snacks, hot drinks, and newly purchased equipment such as football boots for those who don’t have access. The project is about inclusion, dignity, and offering young people a place to belong. As one young person shared, it’s become: “A second home for people that don’t have much.”

Looking ahead

Four of the young people have since represented the group at a celebration event. They hosted a market stall where they showcased their achievements, shared the story of the shipping container renovation, and gathered ideas for how to expand and develop the space further.

They hope to continue creating safe, youth-led environments where more young people can feel seen, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

To find out more about our Young People’s Leadership Academies visit this page or email us on [email protected]