Set up a new club
Here at the Young Archaeologists’ Club we manage branches across the UK, from Jersey to Orkney. We try to make it as easy as possible for our volunteers to set up and run their branches. To do that we have created three different types of YAC branch, so volunteers and wider organisations can choose the type that best suits their needs;
CBA-managed YAC branches who are run by volunteers and supported by the Council for British Archaeology with insurance, child protection systems, volunteer application processes and more.
Affiliated YAC branches who are run by local established education providers, museum services for example, which have their own insurance, child protection and health and safety systems.
After-school YAC branches who are run by teachers in a school setting, drawing their members from the pupil body. They are responsible for their own insurance, child protection and health and safety systems.
Why start a new YAC branch?
There are numerous benefits to starting a new YAC branch! Here’s just a few of them…
- Provide meaningful opportunities for 8–16-year-olds in your area to get involved in archaeology.
- Bring hands‑on archaeological activities to places where young people may have limited access to such experiences.
- Share and celebrate your local history and archaeology with young people.
- Support young people’s learning, development and social skills in a friendly, inclusive, informal setting.
- Enjoy working as part of a team while developing your skills in engaging and supporting young people.
- Create new volunteer opportunities for adults and for 16–18‑year‑old Young Leaders, helping them gain valuable work experience and leadership skills.
- Contribute to young people’s wellbeing, confidence and self‑esteem, as demonstrated in our YAC Impact Report.
- Help young people socialise with peers who share their interest in archaeology and history.
- Partner with local archaeological projects or museums to offer unique experiences—such as excavation and handling real artefacts—that young people rarely get to try.
- And ultimately… inspire the next generation of archaeologists to protect our heritage for the future.
What support do branches receive from the Young Archaeologists’ Club?
YAC HQ, at the Council for British Archaeology, provides all YAC branches with:
a) a listing on the YAC website
b) use of the Council for British Archaeology and Young Archaeologists’ Club names, logo and marketing materials
c) a dedicated area of our website which includes guidance on running your YAC and more than 100 activity ideas
d) online and in-person training and resources to inspire your YAC sessions
e) networking with other YAC clubs through our private Facebook group, eNewsletter and annual training sessions.
CBA-managed YAC branches are also provided with:
a) Public and Employer’s Liability Insurance and use of the CBA’s name and charity number
b) guidance to ensure child protection and health and safety law is met
c) safe recruitment procedures: administering volunteer application forms, criminal record disclosures and references
d) designated safeguarding lead
e) Child Protection and First Aid training
What next?
More detailed information about each type of club can be found in the links below, including details of how to apply and the various application forms.
If you would like to discuss which type of group would be best for you or your organisation please contact YAC HQ at the Council for British Archaeology to discuss your ideas. You can contact YAC staff by calling 01904 671417 or emailing yac@yac-uk.org.
YAC staff will advise you to read through all of the information in the ‘Run a club‘ of the website. This should give you a good idea of what’s involved in running a YAC branch. We also recommend that you contact an existing branch to speak to the volunteers involved. You can find contact details for each YAC on our interactive map.