Firstly, it's important to understand what the organisation are and what they are about. Well historically they are a development of boys' clubs, as Director Alan Donkin explains: " Boys' clubs essentially are a gathering of clubs in inner city areas which aim to give opportunities to young lads, particularly those from difficult backgrounds.
"These clubs were formed to meet the needs of boys hanging around on street corners or unemployed lads who were seen as needing some kind of guidance. It all started back in the 1930s when local people, entrepeneurs particularly, looked at clubs for young people as a way of getting troubled kids off the street and doing something useful.
"They then materialised into associations when it was felt there was a need to bond them all together, and I say that because these associations were designed from the bottom up not the top down; it's very much a case of associations being made to meet the needs of the boys' clubs, not the other way around.
"Boys' clubs had been around long before associations were, and they weren't just boys' clubs, but girls' clubs too. The basis of these clubs was about adventure; a place to meet, but always at the back of it there was an educational element.
"Lancashire boys' clubs for example were certainly about activities and traditional sports like boxing and football, but they also had a library, as did many clubs, because there was no library service back then. I think the most important thing was about establishing relationships and that hasn't changed to this day." (Link to audio - Alan & associates, full interview, interview four)
An important aspect of the LACYP is they are a charitable organisation who work tirelessly towards creating opportunities for young people, and all this with a very limited budget.
They work under the Charity Commission, which was formed in the 1970s, and that means conforming to a set of rules and regulations which involves the appointment of volunteer trustees and presenting account information that details the way in which money is used.
Today the club have evolved from the traditional meaning of a boys' club; girls make up a significant percentage of the 7500 members they have in Lancashire. And although disadvantaged youngsters are still an important aspect, absolutely anyone can get involved.
The age range tends to be between 10 and 21 for participants these days, which was another reason for evolving the name to "young people" rather than "boys," although most members are still between the age of 10 and 15.
The LACYP, with the help of independant funding from local businessmen and occasional grants from the lottery, work with youth clubs in the area in attracting members by setting up sporting events or recreational activities. Map link of recent events
They aim for around 12 major events per year, like the National Amateur Boxing Finals in March or the week long trip to Scotland in April, and try to blend in as many minor events as possible, like pool competitions, archery and quad biking.
For each event they will charge members a nominal fee; entering a day long pool competition would cost around £3, while the trip to Scotland will set you back £120, and this includes everything from travel and accommodation, to food and the running of events for each day you are there.
So that's the LACYP; it's a bit like a cool version of the scouts; there are no mandatory meetings, no uniforms, no commandments and no bobba-jobbing; just sporting events and outdoor activities structured within a respectful atmosphere.
There is a single clear message coming from the LACYP; get off your couch, get off the streets, and come and have some fun. I defy anyone who tells me that getting kids off the street corners and giving them the chance to play sport or climb mountains, while interacting with others and forming a sense of team spirit, is a bad idea.
To find out more about up-coming events and read reviews of some big days for the organisation and its members, click on any of the links in this section or scroll up on the page.
