META Youth
A one-year transformational leadership programme for young people aged 16-19 years.
How does it work?
Young people come together weekly online from different countries. They are united in their desire to deepen their faith and know Jesus. They grow and learn together.
The buddy system means they are able to connect with another young person on the course and encourage one another, and each week they watch a video which we then process at the coaching clinics. Being able to celebrate their learning, ask questions, delve into some of the more complex nuances of the Bible is a true gift. This gift is not lost on the young people, some of whom are in countries where Christianity is ignored, illegal or in the minority; they bring such strength of character and this is a wonderful example to the rest of the group.
Working towards the mission project is an excellent focus for them as they flex their leadership muscles. Each person is responsible for raising funds to travel on an international mission in August.
Ultimately, these young people are learning to develop and live out their faith in a world that is increasingly hostile towards Christianity. The impact is huge!
Who is META Youth for?
Christians wanting to strengthen their faith and would like to:
Develop leadership skills for life, especially for leading and working with others
Grow their self awareness and understand themselves better to help them decide on their future career path / Uni choices / courses of study
Know Jesus better and discover their unique gifts and calling in life
Make a difference in the world
Understand the Bible better & how to make big life decisions wisely
Build confidence in who they are and discover their true potential
Experience the power of God by the work of His Holy Spirit
Meet some amazing people and join a friendly, inclusive and exciting community of young leaders from around the world
Have the opportunity to travel abroad to serve on a mission trip serving less affluent communities in the world (Optional)
Have fun and make some great friends!
What is the commitment?
META Youth is designed to run alongside your GCSEs/A-levels/Uni/job or current course of study.
META Youth requires
Watching a weekly 20 minute video of content (example)
Attending a 1 hour online coaching clinic to process our learning together
There are optional in-person gatherings twice in the year, a celebration BBQ at the end of the year and a week/10 day long mission trip abroad
There is optional homework to enhance learning
You will receive a certificate at the end of the year for your CV
Cost
The termly cost for META Youth is £120*
For the full year it is £400* (not including Summer mission trip)
*If these costs are too much for you, please let us know as we don't want money to ever be a barrier to young people attending the programme.
[META]
Old meaning of meta = to go beyond (greek) - change/transformation - metamorphosis.
Digital word that describes your comment on your own story.
How to apply
Please email stu@somauk.org to express an interest.
An application form will be sent to you. You will then be invited to a 30 minute interview with members of the META Youth team.
Sign up is now open for the next Meta beginning October 2026.
Still have questions?
We have a webinar for parents which answers most FAQ.
You can preview a session here shortly.
“Participating in META has been one of the most beneficial decisions I have made for my faith and leadership. My understanding of God has developed, and my relationship with Jesus has grown deeper and deeper.”
Support META Youth
Giving financially to META Youth will enable those young people to participate in the programme who would otherwise be unable to afford to do so without additional support.