Day One: Launching a Shared Digital Vision
- Unveiled a roadmap toward a more connected future
- Explored the strength of the YMCA Digital Ecosystem across Europe
- Shared powerful local insights to ensure strategy remains grounded in real community impact
Day Two: Scaling the Impact
Day Two shifted from vision to action – exploring how digital transformation is already reshaping youth work across the movement. From “AI for Good & Digital Innovation” to insightful contributions from The Bytes Project and YMCA Europe highlighted how artificial intelligence can support inclusion, enhance learning, and expand outreach – when applied ethically and intentionally.
Local Digital Showcases sessions outlined YMCAs from across Ireland and beyond shared real-world examples of digital innovation in action, including:
- YMCA Cork
- Cobh YMCA
- Larne YMCA Youth Club
- YMCA Newcastle
- YMCA Wishaw (Scotland)
From AI-enhanced learning to esports initiatives and digital storytelling, these showcases demonstrated how technology is strengthening connection, creativity, and youth participation.
A special thanks was extended to Matrix Internet and CSE Education for demonstrating what’s possible when innovation, funding, and play come together, particularly through interactive platforms like the iWall.
The message of the day was unmistakable: Digital isn’t just a tool, it’s a powerful pathway to connect, include, and empower young people.
Day Three: Game On!
The final day brought high energy and forward-thinking ideas with a deep dive into Professional Gaming & Esports.
Hosted by YMCA Ireland, the sessions explored how esports can:
- Drive youth engagement
- Build inclusive communities
- Develop teamwork, leadership, and digital skills
- Create pathways to new opportunities
Participants examined how to plan professional-level tournaments within YMCA settings, ensuring safeguarding, structure, and sustainability remain at the forefront.
Inspiring success stories – including initiatives from Larne YMCA Youth Club – demonstrated how gaming can be transformed into a meaningful youth development tool.
Strategic insights from Emma Williamson of YMCA Wishaw further highlighted how esports programmes can be embedded into long-term youth engagement strategies.
The key takeaway? Digital transformation strengthens the YMCA’s human touch.
Digital transformation strengthens the YMCA’s human touch. Whether through AI-supported learning or esports tournaments, innovation helps young people connect, belong, and thrive.
By bringing together local YMCAs, European partners, technology providers, and youth workers on the ground, Digital in Action showcased what’s possible when strategy meets shared purpose. As the event concluded at Greenhill, the energy was clear, this is just the beginning. Now it’s time to put Digital in Action.
