Youth sections in Maltese band clubs : a study of their evolution

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on youth sections in Maltese band clubs and follows their evolution. The aim is to provide a means by which the present reality for youth sections can be traced in their past and in thus doing, provide an answer as to what the needs are and perhaps how they came to be. This information is used in this research to attempt to identify possibilities for youth work to take place within the context of band clubs, with special attention being given to youth sections. To help understand the phenomenon of youth sections, this research details their origins and background in the Maltese festa context and the emergence of band clubs. The research involved the use of interviews as a means of obtaining data, whilst also considering other factors such as geography and local status, even occurrences of rivalry to test for variations in that data. The scarcity of information on this topic makes this research a key element for any future endeavours by other researchers. It also helps provide much valuable data to any aspiring youth worker with the intent of carrying such work within the band club context.