From 6–8 March, YMCA leaders, staff and young people from across Scotland gathered for GEN26 — YMCA Scotland’s General Assembly and the first national gathering under the GEN26 name.
Over three engaging days, local YMCAs came together to share experiences, strengthen connections, and explore new ways to deepen their impact for young people and communities. YMCA Europe was pleased to join the gathering, contributing to conversations around digital collaboration, partnerships, and the future of youth engagement.
Across workshops, dialogue, and shared moments, one theme remained clear: stronger collaboration creates stronger communities.
Day One: Esports in Action
The event opened with a visit to YMCA Wishaw, where participants experienced first-hand how esports can become a powerful tool for youth engagement.
Young participants from the programme led the session themselves, walking attendees through their activities and explaining how the initiative supports their development.
The message was clear: esports at YMCA goes far beyond gaming. It creates spaces for friendship, connection, empowerment, and personal growth, helping young people develop confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
The first day also set the tone for the gathering — a space to connect, learn from one another, and explore new perspectives. Throughout the event, two young hosts guided participants through the programme, bringing energy, warmth, and a youth voice to the heart of the assembly.
Day Two: Dialogue and Shared Learning
Saturday focused on dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
A highlight of the day was the Dialogue with Politicians, where young people and YMCA leaders discussed the challenges facing youth today and the role of organisations like YMCA in supporting communities and shaping positive change.
Participants also joined a series of workshops exploring different areas of YMCA’s work. YMCA Europe delivered a session on YMCA partnerships and the Digital Ecosystem, highlighting how collaboration across national movements can strengthen digital engagement, share expertise, and open new opportunities for young people.
The day concluded with a celebration dinner and awards, recognising the dedication and achievements of YMCA communities across Scotland.
Day Three: A Shared Voice for the Future
The final day focused on strengthening communication between local YMCAs and the national movement.
Discussions explored how YMCA Scotland can ensure its national positions and public voice truly reflect the experiences, needs, and perspectives of local associations working directly with young people.
The conversations highlighted the importance of strong internal collaboration to ensure YMCA continues speaking with a clear and united voice.
Strengthening Connections Across Europe
GEN26 also provided an opportunity to deepen collaboration between YMCA Scotland and YMCA Europe.
Through workshops and discussions, the gathering helped build a better understanding of local priorities while opening new pathways for cooperation — particularly around digital innovation, esports programmes, and future funding opportunities, including the return of Erasmus+ participation for the UK.
As the first national gathering under the GEN26 name, the event marked an important step in bringing YMCA communities across Scotland closer together while strengthening connections with partners across Europe.
The energy throughout the three days made one thing clear: when YMCA communities come together, they build stronger foundations for young people to connect, belong, and thrive.
