Who We Are:
Youth for Christ Ireland is an inter-denominational Christian youth ministry organisation. We reach young people missionally in schools, communities, and churches — through creative, relational, and context-sensitive ministry. We believe every young person matters deeply to God and deserves a safe space to explore faith, purpose, and identity.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
Youth for Christ Ireland is committed to carrying the love and light of Christ to every young person in Ireland, linking arms with all Christian denominations.
Our Vision
We imagine an Ireland where every person knows they are a dearly loved child of God, becomes the fully-alive person God created them to be, and, alongside other children of God, helps restore the earth as it is in heaven.
Our Values
We are committed to being ecumenical and inter-denominational. We are committed to being inter-generational in our mission. We are committed to Christ-centred mission and outreach. We are committed to context-sensitive ministry. We are committed to prayer.
What We Do
At Youth for Christ, we engage young people through relational ministry, creative outreach, and long-term discipleship. Here are our core areas of work:
Schools Work
We run retreats in schools, Alpha, and prayer spaces in schools in an effort to bring the love and light of Christ to young people.
Nomad Cage Soccer
Our Nomad Cage Soccer is a fun and creative tool to provide exciting moments for young people.
Local Outreach
Developing locally led outreach to towns and cities through missional steering groups.
Youth Worker Development
Equipping churches and volunteers with practical training, resources, and ongoing support.
Internships
Providing short or long-term opportunities for people to engage with mission and develop their faith and their youth work skills.
Our Staff Team
Meet the team serving young people across Ireland.
Liam Burke
National Director
Originally from Kilkenny, Liam has led Youth for Christ for the past five years. He leads the staff, raises funds and develops the organisation.
Claire Russell
Hub Development Coordinator
Claire supports the development of Youth for Christ across Ireland while also serving in a local parish in Mullingar to develop youth ministry.
Claudio Barguena
Sligo Coordinator
Claudio has developed Youth for Christ in Sligo over the past three years, mentoring young people and raising up leaders.
Ionela Rend
Administrative Assistant
Originally from Spain, Ionela has worked for Youth for Christ for two years as office staff, supporting the team with their day to day work.
Marian Edwards
Longford Coordinator
Marian joined Youth for Christ in 2024 and is pioneering work in Longford alongside churches there to reach young people.
Timeline of YFC Ireland
1959
Youth for Christ’s ministry begins in Ireland, focusing on mission and youth outreach.
1970s–1980s
Split in operations, the troubles in Northern Ireland caused a split leading to Youth for Christ in Ireland becoming YFC NI.
2002
Establishment of a national office in the Republic of Ireland and the development of structured youth programmes in Bray, Co. Wicklow and further afield. Suzie Rowan becomes National Director
2012
Youth for Christ Ireland temporarily ceases operations.
2015
Reestablishment in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath by Simon Marriott who becomes National Director.
Today
YFC Ireland continues to support young people through school retreats, mentoring, Nomad ministry, and partnership with churches nationwide.