Club Officer check-in: 5 Minutes with...Abigail Hyde, Withleigh YFC

Club Secretary Abby Hyde has been involved in Withleigh YFC for four years and is now part of the committee supporting the club's 38 members.

Why did you want to take on a role in your club?

I wanted to give something back to the club that has given me so many opportunities over the years.

What are your main responsibilities in the role?

My role involves leading meetings, helping organise club activities, supporting members, representing club and ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the year.

How do you balance your club duties with your personal/professional life?

Good organisation is key and learning to share responsibilities with other members. Having a supportive team makes balancing club commitments with work and personal life much easier.

Tell us about a top skill you've developed through this role?

Leadership is probably the biggest skill I've developed. I've become more confident in making decisions, leading meetings, and communicating with a variety of people.

How is your club structured?

Our club is open to members ages 10-28, and we meet together rather than holding separate junior and senior meetings. This creates a welcoming environment where younger members can learn from more experienced members, and everyone has the opportunity to get involved. The club is led by a team of officers and committee members who all work together.

How does your club recruit and welcome new members?

We promote the club through social media, word of mouth and organising local events. New members are always made to feel welcome, and we encourage existing members to introduce them to others and help them get involved.

How does your club plan its programme and what's been one of your best meeting ideas?

We hold meetings every other week and try to include a mix of fun activities, competitions, and opportunities to learn new skills. The officers plan the programme throughout the year, taking members' ideas into account and making sure there's something for everyone.

We also organise social events such as bowling nights, trips to rugby matches, and other activities to help members build friendships and enjoy being part of the club.

One of our best meeting ideas so far was a life-sized game of Hungry Hippos at our new members' meeting, which was a great icebreaker and helped everyone get involved.

What's a challenge you have faced as a young leader of a club and how did you overcome it?

One challenge has been encouraging members to step outside their comfort zones and get involved. By creating a supportive environment and leading by example, we've seen more members take part in competitions and activities they wouldn't have considered before.

What one tip would you give to others in a similar role to you?

Don't be afraid to ask for help. A strong team makes all the difference, and involving others not only shares the workload but also brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the club.

If you would like to be featured in NFYFC's club officer check in, email media@nfyfc.org.uk. Find more information and guidance for club officers in the YFC Handbook.