About the club
Who we are
Rising Stars Youth Club exists so that every young person in our part of Luton has somewhere to go on a Friday night where they are known, safe and expected. A safe space. A positive place. Your place.
Started by volunteers, still run by them
The club began with a handful of parents, a borrowed hall and a table tennis table that had seen better days. Word travelled the way it does in Luton — a cousin, a neighbour, someone from school — and Friday nights filled up.
Nobody here is paid. Our team is made up of parents, former members, local professionals and people who simply wanted their community to have this. We are funded by small grants, local donations and the tuck shop, which means every pound goes into equipment, trips and the sessions themselves.
This year we moved to Hockwell Ring Community Centre in Leagrave. It gives us a proper sports hall and a quieter room for craft and coding, so more can happen at once. Our previous home at Lewsey Community Centre, Landrace Road, Luton LU4 0SW looked after us for years and we're grateful for it.
Who the club is for
Any young person aged 8 to 16 who lives in or near Luton. All backgrounds, all faiths, all schools, all abilities. You don't need to bring anything, know anyone or be good at sport. The first visit is free and a registration form takes five minutes at the door.
What we want young people to walk away with
Skills they keep
Every term a young person should be able to point at something they can do now that they couldn't in September — code a game, cook a meal, referee a match, chair a meeting.
Motivation that travels
What happens on a Friday should show up on a Monday. We talk openly about school, work and what comes next, and we celebrate effort loudly.
Relationships that hold
Friendships across schools and backgrounds, and at least one trusted adult who knows their name, notices when they're off, and asks.