Stephen McCambridge (right) at the new youth club in Radyr. Image credit: Stephen McCambridge.
Stephen McCambridge (right) at the new youth club in Radyr. Image credit: Stephen McCambridge.

Youth club reopens in Radyr after an eight-year absence

Teenagers can try cooking, crafts, gaming and sports at twice-weekly meetings

A YOUTH club has opened in Radyr for the first time since 2016, laying on activities for 11 to 16-year-olds from the area, and Morganstown.  

Activities range from cooking, crafts, gaming, sports activities, as well as educational programmes.  

The new service, run in conjunction between Cardiff Youth Service and Radyr and Morganstown Community Council, aims to give youngsters something to do while developing their confidence, motivation, problem solving, and teamwork. 

Radyr and Morganstown councillor Calum Davies, who campaigned for a return of the club, said: “I am delighted that we are seeing the return of youth services in Radyr and Morganstown after a long absence.” 

Stephen McCambridge, one of the youth workers running the club, said: “(The council is) opening up provisions where there are no provisions or where we had provisions before.” 

Mr McCambridge, who is from Scotland, has worked in youth support in Cardiff for 24 years. Before that he worked at the Heath Hospital.  He is motivated by the enthusiasm of the youngsters.

“I have such great fun doing what I do as a youth worker, meeting so many amazing people,” he said.

The first youth club was held on Monday, February 5 and it will run on Mondays from 6pm to 8.30pm and Thursdays from 3pm to 7pm at Radyr and Morganstown Hub, which is based in Radyr Library on Park Road. 

Cardiff Youth Service and the Radyr and Morganstown Community Council has opened a new Youth Club in Radyr. Credit: Stephen McCambridge

Cardiff Youth Service provision in Radyr and Morganstown had closed in 2016 due to costs. But there was a youth club run at Radyr Comprehensive School. 

Councillor Davies said: “When I was campaigning to be elected two years ago, this was definitely a top five issue for residents across the ward and I am pleased to have played my part in helping the county and community councils establish this initial programme, and I thank them for all their efforts. 

“Young people have had a torrid few years with the pandemic and the post-Covid world not exactly serving them well, so I really hope we see the necessary popularity at this youth club to keep it going. 

“So, I would urge families who wanted a youth club in the area to use it because, otherwise, we will lose it.”