Youth Competitions

Competitions

Rotary hosts a number of annual competitions enabling thousands of young people to test and develop their skills and talents in a range of disciplines.

Participation in the competitions is restricted to children and young people aged 17 or under  (i.e. 18th Birthday on or after 1st September). 

Some competitions are divided into age ranges and skill levels.

Age Groups for Rotary Competitions 2026-27

Download the Age Group Guidance PDF Here

Who can take part in the competitions?

Students, whether at formal schools or being home educated, community youth organisations such as Scout Groups/Girl Guides and Members of RotaKids & Interact.

There are two types of competitions:

1. Those requiring physical attendance and practical participation at a venue (e.g. Young Chef, Youth Speaks, Young Musician & Technology Tournament)
2. Competitions involving submission of material to a central venue (e.g. Young Photographer, Young Artist, Young Environmentalist & Young Writer)

Competition Stages

For Young Chef and Young Musician the process is the same:

• Competitions begin at club level
• The winners proceed to a District competition
• District winners go on to a Regional final
• Regional finalists are put forward to the National final

For Young Photographer, Young Artist & Young Writer:

• Competitions begin at club level
• The winners proceed to a District competition
• District winners are put forward to the National final

For Young Environmentalist:

• Competitions begin at club level for individuals or Teams of between 2 & 12
• The winners proceed to a District Final
• There is no National final

For Youth Speaks:

• Competitions begin at club level
• The winners proceed to a District Final
• There is no National final

For Technology Tournaments: 

• There are only club level Competitions.

Entry to Competitions

Entry to all Rotary competitions is via your local Rotary club.

To find your local Rotary Club use this Club Finder Tool and enter in your postcode

Competition Dates for 2026-27

Young Chef
Club competitions completed during August to September 2026. Entries to District Round to organiser by 1st January 2027. District Final 6th February 2027 at Loughborough College.

Young Musician
Club competitions completed during August to September 2026. Entries to District Round to organiser by 1st January 2027. District Final  23rd January 2027 at Uppingham Community College (TBC)

Youth Speaks
Entries for District Round to the organiser by 18th February.

Further Information

View and download the 2026-27 "Empowering Youth" Booklet for Junior Students

View and download the 2026-27 "Empowering Youth" Booklet for Senior Students

The 2026-27 information packs for the Public

Young Artist Info Pack & Poster

Young Chef Info Pack & Poster

Young Musician Info Pack & Poster

Young Photographer Info Pack & Poster

Young Writer Info Pack & Poster

Young Environmentalist Info Pack & Poster

Youth Speaks Info Pack & Poster