NYA Update: National Youth Agency to manage Youth in Action Programme

The two-year contract commences in January 2011 and will see the NYA working with online charity YouthNet to provide targeted information and support to young people and youth professionals in England about the European funding opportunities available through the Youth in Action Programme.

Youth in Action is funded by the European Union and provides young people and young professionals aged between 13 and 30 with a variety of opportunities for non-formal and formal learning with a European/international dimension.

Tom Miscioscia, the British Council's head of Youth in Action, said: "We are delighted to be working with the National Youth Agency and YouthNet.

"Their extensive networks and youth-led approach will ensure as many young people and youth professionals as possible are aware of the diverse opportunities available through the Youth in Action Programme to promote young people's active citizenship, their European and global identity and their co-operation in the youth field."

NYA is currently recruiting four young champions through their Young Associate Network to support the programme. The young champions will be equipped through training from NYA and YouthNet to promote the programme and help young people with applications.

Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, commented: "We are thrilled to be awarded this contract.

"Youth in Action is a tremendous programme that provides opportunities for young people and youth professionals to explore their European identity, while supporting projects that span international boundaries and promote understanding across Europe and the wider world."

For further information, visit www.nya.org.uk/major-programmes/youth-in-action.