There is a huge range of opportunities, so regardless of the experience you have, there is a way you can become more involved in the YKC. Below is a brief description of some of our main volunteering roles.
There are many reasons why you might be interested in volunteering. The Young Kennel Club may be something you are passionate about and you’d like to offer help in return. You might want to encourage younger dog enthusiasts using your canine experience. Perhaps you're looking to gain new skills, expand your CV, increase your confidence or discover a new hobby for yourself.
Whatever the reason, the Young Kennel Club promises you will be satisfied that your time and effort has been well spent!
The Young Kennel Club has its own finals ring at Crufts and we invite senior members (18-24 years) to run the ring over the four days. This is a great responsibility and gives you experience of stewarding at shows, dealing with judges, competitors and the general public. It's also a chance to learn about the organisation and running of a large dog show.
Training young handlers is a unique skill and we require trainers with expertise and confidence in all of the different canine activities. The rewards are huge as you watch your young handlers' confidence and skills grow.
At our events, we always need keen, enthusiastic volunteers to help us promote the club, speaking to the general public and potential new members. It's perfect for those passionate about the Young Kennel Club.
One of our most popular volunteer schemes, open to those over 21 years. The role involves mentoring a group of around 10 children and encouraging them throughout their dog training experience. If you are energetic, enthusiastic and enjoy working with young handlers, we need you!
If you are on a Kennel Club judging list, then you can offer to judge at a YKC qualifier or final. The club likes to offer younger, newer judges the experience of judging to set you off on your judging career.
If you're interested in volunteering with the Young Kennel Club, please take a look below at some of the opportunities.
The Kennel Club Crufts team offer Young Kennel Club (YKC) members a limited number of Crufts steward positions each year – available exclusively for members aged 18 and over.
The opportunity offers a unique, real world experience for young dog lovers to steward breed rings at the world's greatest dog show, Crufts at the NEC Birmingham. The Crufts steward positions will assist aspiring young judges who require stewarding experience for judging qualifications, and members taking advantage of the positions will be able to showcase their skills and professionalism, helping them to build their knowledge and become more involved in dog showing.
The roles are open to members interested in stewarding for either one day or up to all four. Entries for this year are now closed, but please email us if you would like us to record your details for the future.
Successful applicants will be able to claim travel/accommodation expenses of up to £20 a day, or £100 for all four days, and will receive a carpark pass and lunch for each day of stewarding.
As a Young Kennel Club volunteer you become part of a valued team that makes a real difference to others. You have the chance to try something different and learn new skills, meet people and make new friendships.
If you are YKC member aged 16-24 years and would like to volunteer by giving your time and expertise, please read through some of our current volunteering opportunities below.
We are currently looking for Young Kennel Club senior volunteers for our upcoming training days. You do not need any discipline experience to volunteer with us, just a keen, enthusiastic approach to our members and their dogs.
