Youth Circus
For Youth
Youth Circus is our membership-based circus arts education programme for children and young people ages 5 to 24.
We’re excited to be part of Circus4All - a new European project that uses the power of social circus to promote inclusion, physical activity, well‑being and community connection. Through Circus4All, Galway Community Circus is working alongside our partners to make circus arts accessible to as many people as possible.
About the project
The Circus4All project was born in response to the rising levels of physical inactivity in Europe, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the barriers faced by underrepresented groups in accessing physical and cultural activities. The project harnesses the transformative power of social circus as an exceptionally inclusive tool to foster inclusion, promote physical activity, and build bridges between diverse communities in Galway (Ireland) and San Javier (Spain).
Circus arts are a non-competitive, collaborative, and accessible discipline that allows people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to participate and thrive. Circus4All builds on the strengths and experiences of three partner organisations to create an innovative programme that not only improves the physical and mental well-being of participants but also trains trainers and creates a sustainable collaborative network to promote social change through art.
What is Circus4All?
Circus4All is a collaboration between three organisations across Ireland and Spain:
- Galway Community Circus (Ireland)
- Club Deportivo Aidemar (Spain)
- Meraki Projectes (Spain)
Together, we’re designing and delivering inclusive circus programmes that reach people with fewer opportunities, including those with disabilities, diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and anyone who wants to improve their health and confidence through creative physical activity.
What we’re doing:
- Developing and delivering inclusive circus activities that support physical and mental well‑being
- Strengthening the skills of circus trainers in inclusive teaching methods
- Creating a free Didactic Guide and resources on inclusive circus practice
- Sharing experiences and best practice across communities
- Raising awareness of how circus arts can build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities
We’ll be sharing more updates and opportunities as the project progresses, stay tuned!
Next Opportunity - July 2026
Join us for an Inclusive Circus Training at Galway Community Circus as part of the Circus4All project, funded by Erasmus+.
This 5-day training will take place from 6th to 10th July, running daily from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Each day includes 4 hours of practical training and 1 hour of break.
Led by Jill Maglio, Occupational Therapist and founder of CircusAid and Holistic Circus Therapy.
Occupational therapists use innovative and creative ways to help people with physical, cognitive, and emotional limitations achieve balance and well-being.
Combining circus and occupational therapy can improve coordination, body awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, perseverance, fitness, strength, and life skills for various populations.
The programme offers an in-depth exploration of inclusive circus practices, combining artistic development with therapeutic and accessible approaches to training.
Throughout the week, participants will explore:
- Inclusion & belonging
- Accessible circus methodologies
- Group facilitation skills
- Practical circus tools & games
Designed as a progressive learning experience, the training builds throughout the week, so full attendance is required.
Participation is limited to a maximum of 20 participants, ensuring an intimate and focused learning environment.
The cost of the training is €200 per participant. Please note that food will not be provided.
Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and selected participants will be contacted for confirmation and payment details.
If you are interested in taking part, please complete this short application survey by 5th June:
Circus4All — Inclusive Circus training: Attendance Survey – Fill out form
Confirmation emails will be sent by 9th June.
Aidemar
A Spanish organization dedicated to the social integration of people with intellectual disabilities through sport. It contributes its specialized knowledge in adapted sport and community work.
Meraki Projects
Spanish consultancy specializing in the management of European projects. Responsible for the administrative management, dissemination, and sustainability of project results.
Circus4All is funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
