Future Trainers Club: Building a Space for Every Young Person to Play, Learn, and Grow
We’re excited to announce the launch of Future Trainers Club, a brand-new community initiative designed to give young people a safe and welcoming space to explore the world of trading card games like Pokémon and other tabletop games. Our mission is simple: create equal access to fun, learning, and opportunity for all children and young people, no matter their background.
Why We Started Future Trainers Club
Starting something like this is never quick. Setting up a Community Interest Company (CIC) takes time, patience, and a lot of paperwork. But we knew that taking this step was essential. Becoming a CIC opens doors to funding, spaces, and resources that will allow us to do more than just host games. It will enable us to provide meals to our members, making sure no child misses out because of financial hardship at home.
The process has been long, but worth it. By putting in the groundwork now, we’re setting up Future Trainers Club to grow into something that makes a lasting difference for years to come.
Tackling Disadvantage Head-On
Too many young people face barriers to enjoying activities that should be open to everyone. Some come from deprived backgrounds where money is tight. Others live with additional access or support needs that can make joining mainstream clubs difficult. These challenges often mean children miss out on the simple joy of playing, socialising, and learning in a safe space.
Future Trainers Club is determined to break down these barriers. We want every child who comes through our doors to feel welcome, supported, and included. Whether it’s covering the cost of entry, providing the right resources, or offering meals, we’re committed to removing the obstacles that might stop a child from joining in.
The Power of Tabletop Games
At the heart of our club are games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons, Dragons and other tabletop favourites. These games aren’t just fun. They teach important life skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Critical thinking: Young people learn to make strategic choices, plan ahead, and adapt when things don’t go their way.
Numeracy and literacy: From calculating damage to reading card text, games give practical opportunities to strengthen maths and reading skills.
Social connection: Playing games face-to-face helps kids build confidence, practice communication, and develop friendships.
Resilience: Learning to win graciously and lose positively helps build emotional strength.
For children who struggle with traditional learning or social settings, tabletop games can offer a unique way to shine. They provide a level playing field where effort, creativity, and curiosity matter more than background.
Building a Community, Not Just a Club
Future Trainers Club isn’t just about cards and dice. It’s about people. We want to create a community where young people feel valued and supported, and where parents know their children are safe, included, and thriving.
We’re especially excited about the opportunities our CIC status will bring. Access to funding and spaces means we can host events, provide hot meals, and invest in resources that keep our activities free or low-cost. Every child should have equal access to play, and with your support, we’re making that possible.
Looking Ahead
This is only the beginning. Our dream is to see Future Trainers Club grow into a hub where young people can develop skills, build friendships, and gain opportunities they might not find elsewhere. We want to connect with schools, local organisations, and community partners to expand our reach and support even more families.
We know the road won’t always be easy, but our passion for creating opportunities drives us forward. By bringing together games, learning, and community support, we believe we can make a real difference in the lives of young people who need it most.
How You Can Get Involved
As with any community project, we can’t do this alone. There are lots of ways you can help us build Future Trainers Club:
Donate unused cards and accessories: Give your old cards, dice, or playmats a new life by donating them to our club.
Spread the word: Share our story with friends, schools, and community groups.
Volunteer your time: Help us run sessions, support young people, or even just lend a hand setting up.
Support our fundraising: Every penny we raise goes back into creating opportunities for young people.
Our Commitment
We know how important it is to give every child the chance to feel included. At Future Trainers Club, our commitment is to remove as many barriers as possible so that every young person, regardless of background or ability, has a fair chance to join in.
We’re excited about the journey ahead and can’t wait to see the community grow. Together, we can build something special that goes far beyond the games themselves.
Final Word
Future Trainers Club is more than just a youth club. It’s a place where young people can learn, play, and connect without barriers. By tackling disadvantage, offering meals, and using tabletop games as a tool for growth, we’re building a community that gives children equal access to opportunities they deserve.
We’d love for you to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a space where every child has the chance to shine!
