Growing Llantrisant YFC and securing its financial stability has been a big focus for Club Chair Ethan Williams, 26. Leading this Glamorgan club, with 42 members, means juggling farm life and training for Ironman Wales but Ethan has developed his own leadership style to get the job done!
I joined YFC relatively late in 2019 at the age of 20, something that I wish I started far sooner! So, I have been a member for just over six years.
The constant preparation and management involved. You quickly realise that some club ideas can feel repetitive, and while you want to introduce new ones, you’re balancing a wide range of opinions and personalities. It’s impossible to please everyone all the time.
As a smaller club, we keep all meetings and club nights together. We are quite a younger member-oriented club, so most of our evenings are orientated towards them, although most of our events outside regular club nights are aimed more towards older members.
Honestly, by never really switching off! I’m constantly thinking about club ideas, social media, and fundraising, as well as many other things for Llantrisant.
Alongside YFC, I work full time on my farm, part time in a family pub, and then spend most of my spare time training for Ironman Wales that I have signed up to in Tenby this September, so it’s a pretty busy schedule.
My leadership and people management skills have developed hugely, along with my confidence. I used to think every decision should be fully democratic, but I’ve learned that sometimes decisions need to be made quickly by one person to keep things moving.
We’ve focused on increasing our social media presence and incorporating more Welsh language use this year to attract new members.
We always intend on being as welcoming and inclusive as possible. Being in a populated area, it’s surprising how many people still don’t know Young Farmers exists.
One of the biggest challenges has been the club’s finances. Having previously been treasurer, I found dealing with banking systems particularly frustrating. However, firstly through the help of club leader Tracey, and then further research and persistence, especially speaking directly with support teams, we were able to get our accounts set up properly, and we’re now in a much more stable and organized position.
Planning is mainly led by myself and my secretary, Ocean, who has been fantastic this year. We do try to involve members, although getting feedback can be difficult at times, so often we take the lead and plan evenings we believe they’ll enjoy.
One of our most exciting upcoming plans is a club exchange with Culm Valley YFC in Devon. We’re visiting them in June and hosting them in August. While they’re with us, we’re hoping to organise a barn dance, which should be a highlight.
Be yourself and don’t try to please everyone. You’ll do better if people can see you’re genuine and putting in the effort. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, use the support around you. Take on ideas and advice, but remember you don’t always have to use it.
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.
