Month of the Military Child: Spotlight on Airplay

To mark the Month of the Military Child, we are highlighting the Fund’s national youth work programme, Airplay, and the support available for young people across stations. We spoke to Airplay children at RAF Cosford about what the programme means to them.

In 2010, the Fund launched its youth work programme, Airplay, which provides a safe and fun place for children and young people, aged eight to 18, of the RAF Family to learn and interact with their peers. Ben Club was launched in 2016 to provide suitable social activities for ages five to seven.

Since 2019, the Fund has provided over £5.4m in grants to Airplay services across 25 stations.

By delivering consistent, high-quality support to young people, the programme, which is delivered by One YMCA, helps to relieve some of the pressure on serving parents and provides vital continuity for children relocating between RAF stations. 

Airplay attendee, Kenna, 10, said: “I love going to youth club; it’s a good place to relax, talk to friends and a good place to talk to the adults for advice. I get a lot out of youth club; I learn new skills, meet up with friends and I go to have fun.”

Parent of Chester, eight, said: “RAF Cosford Airplay is a huge asset to the camp! With nothing on camp for children except parks and school clubs, it is a great way to for them to meet up with friends and make new ones.

“For a lot of the children, it’s like being at home, and I know my son is in the best hands. The team are attentive and understanding of the children’s needs. The sessions are full of fun, and laughter and I have huge confidence that if I ever have an issue Allison (Youth Support Worker) or another staff member are quick to help find a solution or offer advice.”

Parent of Roman, six, attendee of Ben Play youth club at Cosford said: “Ben Club is the highlight of Roman’s week, he asks every night ‘is it on tonight?!’ He never misses a session unless he is poorly. He absolutely adores his Station Youth Worker Allison and her team, and it is the first out of school activity that he goes to by himself.

"Roman enjoys all the arts and crafts activities they put on and comes home each week with a different creation. It is lovely to see him excited each week to go and is looking forward to his younger brother joining him soon.”

Roman’s older brother Dexter, aged 10, also attends Airplay youth club. Parent of Dexter said: “I cannot thank Allison enough for encouraging and allowing my eldest son Dexter to be able to feel comfortable enough to attend the junior sessions.

“Dexter is diagnosed with autism and has never stuck with any activity inside or outside of school hours, so him repeatedly going to the sessions is a testament to how good Allison is. It allows him to be independent and meet friends he usually wouldn’t get to.”

You can find out more about Airplay here.