The NFYFC has called on all YFC members to help share the 'true message' of YFC after a minority displayed antisocial behaviour during the Annual Convention.
Chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) Lynsey Martin has set out the challenge for YFC members to help share what it really means to be a member.
It follows the release of a viral video which showed a minority of members display antisocial behaviour in Blackpool during the Annual Convention over the bank holiday weekend (4-6 May).
Ms Martin said the antisocial members were a small proportion of its 23,500 member strong organisation, representing young farmers aged between 10 and 26.
Ms Martin said: “There has been an understandable reaction to the anti-social behaviour of some of our members in Blackpool over the Convention weekend.
“There is a lot of work going on with the authorities and our partners in Blackpool to try and right the wrongs of those people who behaved anti-socially as best we can.
“We accept that a number of individuals misbehaved in Blackpool and we are ensuring they are expelled from this Federation.”
Share stories
The Chairman’s Challenge calls on members and former members to help share their stories about how the Federation has helped develop their personal and professional skills.
YFC members can share these stories on social media using the hashtag #TrueYFC and tagging NFYFC.
The stories will be compiled and used to start revealing the true impact that NFYFC has on young rural people’s lives.
Lynsey Martin added: “Not enough people get to see the impact the Federation has. So we need the support of our members to show the world what being a YFC member really means.”
NFYFC is meeting with Blackpool Council to discuss incidents that occurred during the Convention weekend and as part of its review into the viability of the future of the event.
The Federation is carrying out its disciplinary process to ensure that those involved in causing antisocial behaviour are removed from the organisation.
In a statement, Chief Officer James Eckley said: “NFYFC is taking this issue very seriously. All of the incidents that occurred over the weekend, not just those caught on cameras, are being investigated and appropriate action will be taken with the support of the relevant local authorities.”
