London Youth Games hosted the LYG33 Residential 2025 from Friday 31^st January to Sunday 2^nd February at YHA Lee Valley in Cheshunt.

Designed to develop leadership, problem-solving, and motivation for the season ahead, the event was co-produced by the LYG33 Leadership Team alongside LYG staff and external guests. With all 37 LYG33 members in attendance, they participated in a series of workshops, team building activities, consultations and guest speaker sessions. These centred around the key themes of ‘Pushing Yourself Outside Your Comfort Zone’ and ‘Making the Most of Opportunities’, aimed at fostering collaboration, confidence, and personal growth. The LYG33 Leadership Team played a key role in shaping the event as well as delivering many activities and sessions, providing them multiple opportunities to develop their leadership skills and put them into practice.

The aims of the event were:

• To bond the team including LYG33 participants, and staff to enhance work effectiveness throughout the season.
• To inspire and motivate LYG33 participants, and staff to contribute effectively to the LYG33 programme throughout the season.
• To build strong foundations to encourage growth, collaboration, constructive challenging and commitment within LYG33 throughout the season.

Viv, LYG33 Business Development Lead reflected on the event.

Friday:

The LYG residential kicked off with an air of excitement as staff and the leadership team arrived at YHA Lee Valley from various corners of London. The mix of familiar faces and new additions created a vibrant atmosphere, setting the tone for an inspiring weekend. We were introduced to our new LYG merchandise, which included LYG33 branded kit – an exciting addition to our team gear. Geoff Thompson, LYG Chair, delivered an inspirational address, redefining success for the team. Following this, we engaged in leadership workshops and came up with solutions that may arise within our time at the residential. With anticipation of building for the arrival of LYG33 team members the following day, everyone rested up for the night.

Saturday:

The residential shifted into high gear as LYG33 team members joined the fold. The day was packed with activities designed to challenge, inspire, and unite the group. We dove straight into a raft-building exercise, which proved to be a true test of teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, especially in the chilly and wet conditions. After this, we had a professional photoshoot to capture individual headshots and co-production team photos. Insightful guest speaker sessions followed, providing real-world challenges and motivations in LYG and beyond. After the speakers, we dedicated time to reflection and goal-setting, crafting SMART objectives and processing the day’s learnings. A high-energy quiz night fostered friendly competition and team bonding, and an impromptu karaoke session showcased how well LYG33 had bonded in one day. The day’s diverse activities provided a perfect blend of learning, reflection, and fun, solidifying the team’s cohesion.

Sunday:

The final day of the residential was bittersweet, with participants eager to apply their newfound knowledge and connections but reluctant to end such an enriching experience. The morning began with an in-depth reflection on the residential experience and its impact on personal growth. Then, we were split into smaller groups to engage in leadership team-led carousel discussions on crucial skills like public speaking and networking. Co-production group sessions followed, where we clarified objectives, assigned tasks, and emphasised the importance of each project. A final reflection and feedback session captured the residential’s impact and areas for improvement. The LYG33 team and staff left YHA Lee Valley with a renewed sense of purpose, stronger bonds, and a clear vision for their roles in the London Youth Games for the 2024-2025 season.

On behalf of all LYG33, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff members who made this residential not just possible, but truly unforgettable. Their dedication and hard work created an environment where learning, growth, and meaningful connections flourished, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead in LYG33. 

Julia, LYG33 Vice-Chair said:

“The residential was such an incredible start to the season, the entire cohort was so engaged and enthusiastic throughout the weekend which made it so great! I look forward to working with such passionate, like-minded young people this season who are ready to make an impact”.

We were fortunate enough to be joined by special guests throughout the weekend including LYG Chair, Professor Geoff Thompson MBE with a positive start to the weekend, the Army engagement team, Youth Beyond Borders’ Alpine Run Project and LYG33 Alumni, Ryan Miskovics. It was brilliant to showcase these inspirational role models to the group who shared great insight into their experiences and provided advice to the young people.

Ellie, Head of Workforce Development said:

“Thank you to all the LYG33 Leadership Team & Team Members, staff and guests who contributed to delivering a fantastic weekend, positively impacting young Londoners and ensuring a brilliant start to the LYG33 season ahead. We are very much looking forward to working with this fantastic cohort of young people this year.”