11 Youth Communities & Interest Groups In Singapore

Youth communities & interest groups in Singapore

Making friends as an adult is an entirely different ball game – gone are the days when you could just bond over playground games or group projects. The same goes for picking up a new hobby – where do you even start? Well, check out these youth communities and interest groups in Singapore, where you’ll make new friends and discover exciting hobbies in no time.

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Youth communities & interest groups in Singapore

What you need to know about youth communities & interest groups in Singapore

Interest Groups (IGs) and youth communities are like the grown-up version of CCAs from your school days. They cover everything from sports and music to arts and volunteering – plus some unique ones like book clubs and animal welfare.

The difference is that you’ll now be interacting with people of all ages rather than just your peers. It’s also worth noting that some of these IGs aren’t free to join and require membership fees. The fees vary, but they are generally affordable for the average Singaporean.

But before considering all that, ask yourself if you’re able to commit to the sessions. Start things out slowly by joining just 1 or 2 that genuinely interest you or have a more flexible schedule. To make things easier, we’ve sorted them nicely into different categories for you to choose from.

– Arts –

1. *SCAPE

For aspiring artists & art enthusiasts

Image credit: @theladiescall via Instagram

Those with artsy friends most likely remember seeing their IG story highlights of them at *SCAPE, and for good reason. There is a range of interest groups and avenues for you to hone your skills or discover a new talent. These include interest groups like:

KPop Dance Off: Learn some cool moves and dance alongside fellow K-pop stans every fortnight.
Lion City Lockers: Hone your skills in funk dancing and put them to the test in friendly battles.
Roar City Grounds: Try your hand at Krump, a form of street dance that’s been growing in popularity.
The Drummer’s Community: Sharpen your drumming skills and groove with the rhythm.

Image credit: *SCAPE

Other than IGs, *SCAPE provides many other avenues for self-expression, through creative arts, media and entertainment, and even entrepreneurship opportunities. For example, if you’ve got a mural idea in mind, you can pitch it to them and see your artwork come to life on their walls if approved.

Learn more about *SCAPE’s interest groups.

2. Art Outreach Singapore

Empowering the less-privileged through art

Image credit: Art Outreach Singapore

At Art Outreach Singapore, their ArtLink Community Programme gives you the chance to support at-risk youth through art. There, you’ll help them connect with their emotions by experimenting with different art mediums and group discussions.

Image credit: Art Outreach Singapore

But if you prefer to preach what you practice, they also offer a school assembly programme, where you’ll showcase various artworks to primary school children. Choose from 3 themes: Singapore Story, Public Art in Singapore, and Art in MRT stations – to inject some storytelling fun into the kiddos’ school days.

Learn more about Art Outreach Singapore.

3. Meetup

Networking app to meet people with varying interests

Image credit: Uchify

For a full-blown catalogue of hobbies to choose from, try downloading the Meetup app. It covers broad categories like Travel and Outdoors, Social Activities, Technology, Art and Culture, as well as Games, so you’re sure to find something that interests you, no matter how niche your hobby may be.

Paint your way to inner peace.

For example, if art is your form of therapy, join the Singapore Art Therapy Meetup Group. It’s open to everyone – from beginners to experts. Fees start from $19.90/person, which includes drinks and art supplies like paint, brushes, and a canvas. While there, you can bounce ideas off other fellow artists or just stay wrapped up in your own creative bubble.

Learn more about Meetup.

– Sports –

4. ActiveSG

Over 100 interest groups for a variety of sports

Image credit: ActiveSG Circle

Those seeking a wholesome sports community can explore ActiveSG, where the possibilities are virtually endless. With over 100 interest groups across various age groups and sports, you’re sure to find one that aligns with your active lifestyle. Just sign up on the MyActiveSG+ app to get started on your journey.

Image credit: ActiveSG Circle

But if you’re keen on giving back through sports, Team Nila is where you’ll want to be. As Singapore’s national sport volunteerism movement, you’ll get to contribute from behind the scenes in many sporting events – whether it’s supporting the kids’ grassroots tournaments or championing inclusive sports initiatives for persons with disabilities.

Learn more about ActiveSG’s interest groups.

5. Stranger Soccer

Play football anytime, anywhere

Image credit: WeeLee Chua via Facebook

Playing soccer with no one is equivalent to Singapore winning the World Cup; both are near-impossible. Luckily, with Stranger Soccer, you’ll never run out of football kakis to play with, as the app allows you to find pickup games with strangers easily. Now, all that’s left to do is lace up your boots and play at the chosen futsal court.

interest groups singapore - football kickabout

If you enjoy balling out with a particular bunch, choose to connect with them and play again for the next session. But if you’re up for mixing things up, you can always switch it up and meet new players for your next kickabout.

Learn more about Stranger Soccer.

– Volunteering –

6. Youth Corps Singapore

Hone your leadership skills

Image adapted from: @youthcorpssg via Instagram

When it comes to volunteering, you’d be hard pressed to find a more extensive environment than Youth Corps Singapore. In 2024 alone, their volunteering services were used by 5,000 clients, so there’s no shortage of opportunities to give back to the community.

Image credit: Youth Corps Singapore

But if you already have some experience under your belt and want to be the one leading the charge, sign up for the Youth Corps Leaders Programme. It’s a 9 to 12-month leadership development pipeline, overseen by national agencies and Youth Corps Singapore themselves. Then, use your newfound skills to be the driving force behind initiatives you’re passionate about and make a real impact.

Learn more about Youth Corps Singapore.

7. AWARE Singapore

Ad-hoc volunteering opportunities championing women’s rights

Image credit: @awaresingapore via Instagram

For all things related to empowering females, AWARE Singapore is the place to be. Contrary to popular belief, men are welcome to join too. You can contribute through their engagement initiatives, from research and advocacy projects to support services, on an ad-hoc basis, so there’s no pressure to overcommit. Just complete the online volunteer registration form, and you’ll be on your way.

Image credit: Psychiatry Advisor

Alternatively, deepen your understanding of important but often overlooked issues like sexual assault first responder training through AWARE’s resources. If you’re looking to support in other ways, consider donating to one of their fundraising campaigns to help sustain advocacy and support programmes.

Learn more about volunteering at AWARE Singapore.

8. Volunteer Singapore

Get personalised volunteering opportunities

Image credit: Action for AIDS via Facebook

Get personalised volunteering slots with Volunteer Singapore’s matching tool. It breaks down the broad term of “volunteering” into something more tangible by aligning it with your traits. Pick from any of the 23 causes and 40 skills, including niche ones like graphic design and sign language.

Image used for illustration purposes only.
Image credit: DBS Bank

For instance, if you strongly believe in helping migrant workers upskill, enter the “migrant worker” term to find a match. Then, share your expertise in areas like first-aid or photography, for example, passing on valuable skills that help them improve their abilities.

Learn more about volunteering through Volunteer Singapore.

9. ACRES

Help animals in need through many different ways

Image credit: ACRES

Animal lovers can make a difference through ACRES, which provides different programmes catering to various causes. Their Outreach Volunteer Training programme is a good starting point – and since it’s held bi-monthly, it’s sustainable for busy folks. As for rescuing animals, you can do that through their Wildlife RESCUE programme.

Image credit: ACRES

But if you want to look after these rescued animals, go for their Wildlife Sanctuary programme, which involves cleaning, food prep, feeding, and maintaining the premises. It’s a tough but rewarding role, giving you the chance to directly care for the rescued animals in need.

Learn more about volunteering at ACRES.

– Others –

10. onePA

Variety of interest groups & communities near you

Since it’s nearby, it’ll likely be easier to commit to the IG and form closer friendships with your neighbours.
Image credit: People’s Association

Like most other Singaporeans, you probably live near a Community Club (CC). Beyond eateries, these hubs offer a plethora of interest groups through onePA. Choose from categories like education and enrichment, lifelong learning, music, and lifestyle, as well as their sports and fitness classes.

Unleash your inner musician at your local CC.
Image credit: Sembawang Wind Orchestra via Facebook

For leisure music enthusiasts, there are IGs ranging from karaoke singing to orchestra. Just note that these groups are more about casual enjoyment than competition, so they’re perfect for those looking to have fun and share their love for music without the pressure.

Learn more about onePA’s interest groups.

11. The Saturday Book Club

Bring your own book & join in on discussions for free

Bring your favourite non-fiction book to the party.
Image credit: @thesaturdaybookclub via Instagram

Fellow bookworms can step out of their house and bond with like-minded readers at The Saturday Book Club. The process is simple: each person brings their own book and sits down in small groups of 4 to 5 peeps. After some quiet reading time, everyone gets 15 minutes to share their key takeaways and connect over their literary discoveries.

The best part is that it’s free to enter. Plus, you might just leave with a fresh perspective or an invaluable nugget of wisdom. Just remember to bring along a non-fiction book for discussion.

Learn more about The Saturday Book Club.

Join a youth interest group or community in SG & make new friends

Now that you have an idea of where to go to make new friends or pick up new hobbies, it’s time to venture out of your comfort zone and get started. After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

For more cool hobbies, check out:

Cover Image adapted from: @thesaturdaybookclub via Instagram, The Smart Local