Did you know there are many free, open access play and youth clubs running across Rhondda Cynon Taf?
These are safe, fun spaces supervised by qualified Play Workers or Youth Workers offering a range of fun and engaging activities for children & young people, including:
- Free play and activity sessions for children aged 5-14
- Youth clubs for older children and young people, aged 11+
- Junior Youth Clubs for children and young people (approximate ages 8-14 – please check with the provider)
- Play Adapt sessions for children, young people and their families to participate in sessions exclusively designed for those with additional needs
- Sports, games and creative activities
- Opportunities to socialise, learn and have their voice heard
All sessions are designed to support wellbeing, encourage positive relationships and give children and young people safe places to spend their time in their local communities.
Find out more by watching our short videos:
Youth Engagement and Participation Service (ages 11+)
Play Services (ages 5+)
Find sessions near you by clicking on the links below:
Further details for youth clubs are available here
Parents and Carers can find out more about Open Access Play here
Play Adapt Sessions for children, young people and their families to participate in sessions exclusively designed for those with additional needs
Please contact your local provider using the information at the links above, to find out more about when sessions take place.
In preparation for the Youth Club of the Year Award, presented at the Youth Engagement and Participation Celebration Event, the service received more than 250 responses from parents/carers, young people and community members sharing their experiences and views. The overwhelmingly positive feedback was greatly appreciated and reinforced the vital role these provisions play within local communities, as well as the significant and lasting impact they have on the lives of young people. It's clear that attending a youth club makes a difference not only to young people, but to their families and teachers also. The survey responses highlighted recurring themes such as:
Increased Confidence
Finding friendships
Belonging
Personal Growth
Community Connection
Positive Futures
Take a look at some of the feedback below:
Building Confidence:
“It has changed so many young people’s lives, including my own. It is a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported. The club gives us opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, make lasting friendships, and have a voice.” - Young person
“This youth club has made a huge impact on my life. It’s made me more confident as a person and it’s also helped me discover things I’m good at.” — Young Person
“This youth club gave my daughter who's been bullied for 5 years a voice and confidence.” — Parent/Guardian
Providing Support & Belonging
“The team literally changed my life. I used to go into youth club solo really sad and anxious and I used to come out feeling supported and listened to.” — Young Person
“It is a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported.” — Young Person
Giving Young People a Voice
“The club gives us opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, make lasting friendships, and have a voice.” — Young Person
Helping Families Thrive
“This facility has saved him from being in total isolation. I honestly don't think he would be the person he has become without this place.” — Parent/Guardian
“The club provides support, care and guidance. They always go above and beyond in every way possible.” — Parent/Guardian
Positive Impact in the Community
“This youth club has helped the most disengaged and disadvantaged young people re-engage with their community and peers.” — Social Worker
“I have seen first-hand families benefitting from this youth club and the positive work that goes on there.” — Social Worker
Supporting Young People to Succeed
“These children are thriving and love going to Youth Club.” — School Staff
If you are a young person in Rhondda Cynon Taf or a parent/carer who feels their child could benefit from attending a youth club, find your local youth club here.
No booking or referral is needed for any of these sessions. Provision is staffed to specific numbers, so entry is first-come, first served.
Cllr Sharon Rees, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said:
We know how important it is for children and young people to have safe, welcoming places where they can have fun, build confidence, make friends and feel part of their local community. Through our free play and youth sessions across Rhondda Cynon Taf, we are providing opportunities for young people of all ages and abilities to take part in a wide range of activities, develop new skills and access support from dedicated and experienced Play Workers and Youth Workers.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from young people, parents, carers, schools and community partners highlights the significant difference these services make. Time and again, we hear how attending these sessions has helped young people grow in confidence, form lasting friendships, overcome challenges and feel that their voices are heard and valued.
I would encourage families to explore the fantastic range of free opportunities available in their area. Whether attending a play session, youth club or specialist Play Adapt provision, these services help create positive experiences, support wellbeing and enable children and young people to thrive.
Posted on 22/07/2026