Ellie Mattocks has been a member of Skelton YFC since she was 11 years old and is now the Club Secretary, while also juggling life in her final year at university. Ellie shares her experience in the role, supporting 97 members.
When I first took on the role of secretary, I was surprised by how much responsibility came with being a main point of contact for members. I’ve been part of Skelton YFC since I was 11, so stepping into a leadership role made me see the club from a completely different perspective.
What surprised me most was how important communication is – not just taking minutes or sending messages, but making sure everyone feels included, informed, and supported.
Members often come to me with questions, ideas, or concerns, and I didn’t realise how much trust people would place in me.
I’ve also learned how much organisation happens behind the scenes to keep a club running smoothly. It’s been really rewarding but also eye-opening to understand how much work goes into creating a positive experience for everyone.
This has really made me appreciate all of the secretaries that have looked after the club since I started!
Balancing my role as secretary with other commitments can be challenging, especially as I’m in my final year of university training to become an adult nurse. Alongside this, I also like to maintain a lively social life, which makes organisation essential.
I rely heavily on to-do lists and planning ahead to manage my time effectively. I prioritise tasks and make sure deadlines are realistic, which helps prevent things from becoming overwhelming.
Young Farmers is something I’m genuinely passionate about, so it never feels like a chore, it’s something I enjoy making time for.
I’ve also learned that it’s okay to ask for help when needed and to be honest with my club if things become busy. Having a supportive committee and club makes balancing everything much easier.
One of the most important skills I’ve developed through my role as secretary is confidence. Being involved in Young Farmers from a young age and now holding a committee position has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone in many different ways.
Through taking part in YFC competitions, helping to run meetings, and communicating regularly with members and the wider organisation, my confidence has grown massively. I feel much more comfortable speaking in front of groups, sharing ideas, and supporting others when they may feel nervous or unsure.
This increase in confidence has also had a positive impact outside of Young Farmers, particularly in my nursing training, where being confident in myself and my abilities is essential.
Young Farmers has given me a safe and supportive environment to grow, make mistakes, and learn from them. The encouragement from my club has played a huge role in helping me believe in myself, and that confidence is something I will carry with me into my future career and beyond.
One challenge I face as a young leader is wanting to take on too much at once. I’m very enthusiastic and often feel I can do everything myself, which can sometimes make it hard to delegate tasks.
Over time, I’ve learned that this isn’t always the best approach. My club and committee are always supportive and remind me that it’s okay to share responsibilities.
Working through this challenge has helped me grow as a leader and trust others more. Delegating not only reduces pressure on myself but also allows other members to get involved and develop their own skills. It’s something I’m still working on, but the encouragement from my club makes a huge difference.
Our club has a programme secretary, and this year Samantha has done an amazing job taking on that role. She leads the planning of meetings, and I support her where needed. We work together to ensure there’s a good balance of competitions, social nights, and informative meetings.
I regularly attend meetings to help run them, while also completing my secretary duties outside of meetings.
I also make a point of speaking to members one-to-one to see what they enjoy and what they’d like to try. Some of our best meetings have been those that encourage everyone to get involved, especially competitions and interactive activities, as they help build confidence and friendships within the club.
I have also developed Pub of the Month, which has supported local business but also brought our senior members together.
My biggest tip would be to show your passion and use it to inspire others. Enthusiasm is contagious, and when members see how much you care about YFC, it encourages them to step out of their comfort zones.
Whether it’s trying a competition they’ve never done before or attending a meeting they’re nervous about, it’s never embarrassing to take part.
Young Farmers is about learning, having fun, and supporting each other. If you create a welcoming and encouraging environment, members will grow in confidence and develop their own passions within YFC.
If you would like to be featured in our club officer check in, email media@nfyfc.org.uk. Find more information and guidance for club officers in the YFC Handbook.
