Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 18 - 26 Years of Age

Being a leader is not just about being confident enough to speak out and knowing what to say, it is knowing when to listen to others and understand. Senior RYLA teaches this, and other soft skills, to help everyone to be the best they can be.

Teamwork exercises bring people together from different walks of life in a safe environment where everyone can get to know each other without fear of exclusion or negativity.

What does RYLA offer?

• Gain exposure to leadership scenarios
• Explore problem-solving strategies as part of a team
• Discuss and apply creative approaches to leadership and conflict management
• Build confidence in yourself and what you can achieve
• Meet new people and make lasting friendships
• Learn how to arrange youth activities and community service projects, locally and internationally

What does RYLA consist of?

A personal development course of 8 days (7 nights) activities including:

• Water sports
• Practical Initiative Tests
• Development of Interpersonal Skills
• Camping
• Map Reading
• Problem Solving
• Computer based business game
• Lectures & Presentations

As with all Rotary programmes risk assessments are carried out for all activities.

Who is eligible?

RYLA programmes involve physical challenges so can be demanding. Some degree of fitness is required.

The District 1070 RYLA course is open to people aged 18 to 26. 

The course is designed on a basis of team competition with each day building on the knowledge and experience gained in the previous days. Any time lost is to the detriment of the awardee, the team and the whole group. Therefore, applicants must commit themselves to the whole week. 

For further information please contact your local Rotary Club.

Please use our Club Finder to locate your nearest Rotary Club

Where is the venue?
District 1070 RYLA is held at Grafham Water Centre. They have over 50 years experience in delivering educational outdoor adventurous activities and their fully qualified instructors make sure that participants get the most from the RYLA course. For further information click Here.

What is the cost and who pays?

RYLA Costs approximately £800 per candidate. The cost is borne by the Rotary Club sponsoring the Candidate.

RYLA Application Forms

The Candidate Application Form can be downloaded Here (Word Doc)

The sponsoring Rotary Club Application Form can be downloaded Here (Word Doc)

All forms to be completed and returned to Sue O'Grady

Rotary District 1070 is excited to announce the launch of its new RYLA Alumni Network

Join the RYLA Alumni Network

Feedback from RYLA Alumni

Kirsty Clifton

"I wanted to update you on my life and how the RYLA course has helped me with opportunities thus far. I recently finished my BSc in Anthropology (honours) and graduated with a 2.1. 

For this summer and the foreseeable, I have started work with the Lincolnshire Co-op and they already have me in line for a team-leader position (of course I told them all about RYLA, and they were so pleased to hear about all that I achieved on the course). However my most exciting news is that I have recently been offered a place with University College London to study a MSc in Human Evolution and Behaviour. In my application, I mentioned RYLA and how the lessons I learned over the course have enabled me to realise my true potential and where it is I want to direct my studies and life. 

So, I wanted to thank you and all of the Spalding Rotary team for the opportunities that your course have provided me with, and for the valuable teachings and realisations that I have taken on board. I hope all other young people that are put forward for the award are also reaping its benefits, and realising how valuable it is for their future."

Jerry M - RYLA 2024

I wasn't too sure what to expect when I got to RYLA but i've ended up loving the experience it provided!

Bethany Bradford - RYLA 2024

Read about Bethany's experience