I regularly read reports of Youths congregating where they are not wanted and acting in anti-social ways.When I was in my teens my father, George Taylor organised a youth club in an old 'Tar-paper' Building on Areley Kings Recreation ground.Dad had a few generous contacts.
Using his own money and time he cleaned up and decorated the old hall. A number of old setees and chairs were given, a kettle, curtains & a Dansette record player donated.Some glasses and cups and a new toilet seat were all gifts gratefully received. Areley Kings Youth Club was born.
I still get stopped by folk with fond memories of this club which he ran, on his own, for 3-4 years.Dad never did it for praise but when someone else took the credit eventually Dad tossed him the keys and said "its all yours"& within 3 months the site was derelict & the club finished.
The reason it was lost was simple, whenever a window got broken dad fixed it immediately,whenever there were fights Dad parted the assailants & sorted things, usually with handshakes.Swearing and alcohol were not allowed.Finally, subs were very low so no-one was excluded.Once vandalism went unrepaired,once people were banned for fighting then the project was finished.
I did a short stint as an Army Cadet instructor, a happy time though a bit rigourous for me . During that period of my life I found that there were very few lads who were unresponsive to discipline as long as they were 'having fun' and that is the crux of todays Youth problems,Where are the Youth clubs?There are plenty of pubs for over 18s, there is a day centre for OAPs but where can the 12-18s 'hang-out' except in arcades.
Society permits young people to collect their life experiences via Sony Playstations. Their 'moral compass' from 'Grand theft Auto'.They are treated with derision and,unconsciously, they revel in exceeding our worst expectations.