Oh yes I was. [Laughter.]

Now, a little older, with fewer spots but still with braces, I have the huge privilege of being Pembrokeshire YFC's chairman, and I'm proudly wearing my Pembrokeshire YFC tie today.

So why, then, have I in my first short debate in this Siambr felt the need to discuss Wales YFC? Is it the countless friends that I've made and continue to make through my involvement within this organisation? Is it the many skills that young people are able to learn and develop between the membership ages of 10 and 28? For me, as someone who has been through the movement, I think too few people outside of it actually fully understand, realise and appreciate what the YFC has to offer. 

Wales YFC was founded in 1936, and there are 12 county federations across Wales. The oldest club is Clunderwen YFC, a stone's throw from my own constituency, in my neighbouring constituency, Paul Davies's, of Preseli Pembrokeshire. This club was founded in 1929 by Mr E.R. Phillips, whose name is now given to the trophy presented to the Pembrokeshire club that has contributed the most to charity and their local community.

In the year prior to COVID, Wales had 4,645 members. Sadly, and understandably, membership dropped by more than 50 per cent in the year 2020-21 to 2,173. However, we have already seen a host of members return to the movement in the last couple of months as restrictions allow, and the upper age limit has increased from 26 to 28.

Young farmers clubs provide a meeting place for young people in rural Wales to socialise, learn new skills, compete and experience new things. However, the name is a bit of a misnomer, because you don't actually have to be a farmer to be a young farmer. Naturally, while there are many competitions that lean towards agriculture, from farm safety and fence erecting to flower arranging and stock judging, there are also competitions such as the on-stage pantomimes and dramas, public speaking, sports competitions and many more. There really is something for everyone.