Across Europe and beyond, youth work is evolving. As young people increasingly live, learn and connect in digital spaces, youth organisations are rethinking how they engage, support and empower them in this changing environment.
In this shift, Larne YMCA offers a strong, practical example of how digital youth work can be embedded in everyday practice. What started as a local initiative is now contributing to a broader movement, with similar approaches beginning to expand across other YMCAs in Ireland.
At Larne YMCA, digital youth work started with a simple observation — many of the young people who walk through their doors every day are already living part of their lives online. Whether it’s gaming, connecting with friends, or completing schoolwork, digital spaces play a huge role in how young people interact with the world.
Rather than seeing this as something separate from youth work, their team began asking a different question: how can they bring the positive values of Larne YMCA into those digital interests?
That question led to the development of their digital work and the introduction of esports activities within their youth programmes, alongside securing HP laptops through YMCA Europe and the ongoing partnership with HP.
The idea began through conversations with the young people themselves. Gaming was often a topic that came up naturally — what they were playing, who they were playing with, and the communities they were part of online. They recognised an opportunity to take something that already excited young people and create a safe, supportive space where it could become a tool for connection, learning and personal development.
From there, digital work at Larne YMCA started to grow.
Today, their digital work offers young people access to devices and digital resources, supporting everything from homework and research to building confidence with technology. Alongside this, their esports sessions provide structured opportunities for young people to come together through gaming — encouraging teamwork, communication and healthy competition in a positive environment.
A strong partnership with Wishaw YMCA has further enriched this work. In October, a group of young people travelled to Glasgow to take part in an esports gaming day. For some, this was the first time travelling without their parents, being in an airport, or even leaving their hometown. It became a milestone experience — one that has inspired them to engage in further programmes and opportunities within Larne YMCA.
For some young people, this initiative offers a quiet space to focus on schoolwork and access technology they may not have at home. For others, it is an exciting environment to explore esports, develop digital skills, and build friendships.
The laptops secured through the YMCA/ HP partnership have played a key role in making this possible, ensuring reliable access to technology, the internet, and new opportunities.
The impact has already been clear. Young people who might not typically engage with more traditional youth programmes are now coming through the doors, drawn in by digital opportunities. Once there, these activities naturally open conversations around wellbeing, online safety, confidence and future aspirations.
For them, digital youth work is simply another way of living out the YMCA mission: supporting young people, strengthening community, and creating opportunities for everyone to belong and grow.
