Leon Andreucetti from Kildysart has been selected to take part in the National Youth Council of Ireland’s (NYCI) 2026 Local Champions programme, a national initiative that supports young people to advocate for youth work and represent the voices of young people in their communities.
Leon, who has been involved with Clare Youth Service, is one of a group of young people from across Ireland chosen for the programme.
Local Champions are young people aged 18–25 who have experienced the benefits of youth work and want to help ensure that youth services are recognised and supported by decision-makers.
Speaking about being selected as a Local Champion, Leon said: “I’m so excited to be a part of Local Champions, which has given me an amazing opportunity to promote Youth Work, a sector which has supported me so much. I hope one day soon, every young person has access to the wonderful services that changed my life. Without adequate funding, this will never be the case.”
Mick Ferron, CEO of the National Youth Council of Ireland, said: “Youth work plays a vital role in supporting young people to build confidence, develop skills and connect with their communities. The Local Champions programme ensures that young people who have experienced the impact of youth work first-hand can share those stories directly with decision-makers.”
Over the coming months, participants will take part in a specialist training programme delivered by NYCI, including workshops on advocacy, communications and engaging with policymakers. They will use these skills to speak with local representatives and highlight the positive impact youth work has on young people and communities.
The initiative forms part of NYCI’s campaign to ensure that young people and youth work receive the necessary investment and support. The Local Champions initiative is supported by Community Foundation Ireland.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: “Delivering for people, place and planet is central to the work of the Community Foundation as a philanthropic hub. Young voices are essential in shaping that future. We are proud to partner with the NYCI and support the Local Champions Network which amplifies those voices. We look forward to hearing how this inspirational group of young people connect with local representatives and input into the decisions which impact their communities.”
To learn more about the Local Champions initiative and NYCI’s work to advocate for increased investment in youth work, visit www.youth.ie.
