Vale Youth Service Secures International Texas Exchange for Young People
The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Youth Service has secured an international exchange to Texas for twelve local young people, following a successful national funding bid and months of dedicated preparation by youth service staff.
The three-week programme taking place in March 2026 has been designed to build resilience, confidence and broaden horizons through structured international learning and cultural exchange.
Funding was awarded through the Welsh Government’s Taith programme, which supports global learning opportunities for young people in Wales, with the Youth Service’s application for funding being described as “outstanding”.
The opportunity originated during a Duke of Edinburgh session, when young people spoke about visiting a ranch. Youth workers then developed the idea into a comprehensive exchange proposal, creating a programme focused on personal development and long-term impact.
The group will take part in a structured itinerary including a visit to a working ranch, a four-day camp with 84 young people from across Texas, a rodeo in San Antonio, Houston Space Center and aquatics training.
Youth Development Officer Hannah Brown emphasised that the exchange is about far more than travel: “This isn’t just a trip, it’s a process. The young people have already completed resilience activities, residential experiences and team-building sessions. This trip will further these skills through building independence, budgeting, resilience and cultural awareness.
“Some didn’t even have passports and some had never travelled beyond Cardiff. Now they’re going to Texas. That’s the power of youth work.”
Senior Youth Engagement Worker Annette Harrison was honest about the scale of such an undertaking: “It’s a lot of responsibility. Some of them have never flown. Airports can be overwhelming.”
“But that’s part of the growth. You can’t just get back in the minibus and go home - they’re all the way on the other side of the world.”
For Annette, who has worked in the Youth Service for nearly 22 years, the Texas exchange reflects how youth work has evolved: “Youth work isn’t just youth clubs anymore. We work in schools, in the community, outdoors. The role has evolved massively.”
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, the Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “This exchange demonstrates the transformative impact of youth work in the Vale. Our Youth Service has not only secured significant external funding, but has created a life-changing opportunity for young people who may never have imagined travelling abroad.
“This programme builds confidence, resilience and aspiration - qualities that will benefit these young people long after they return home and we are incredibly proud of the staff who have worked hard to make this trip possible.”