The YCAA and Yeovil Town Community Sports Trust (YTCST) have announced their biggest ever competition for Somerset children, the YCAA Young Writers’ Prize.
For the first time, the annual competition is open to any young person aged between seven and 13 who is in year three to eight at a Somerset school or who lives in the county.
The young wordsmiths are invited to write a short story, play script scene or poem on the theme of ‘Courage’. Entries can be handwritten or typed and there is no word limit, but they should be a maximum of two sides of A4 and the original and unpublished work of the young person. The competition is free to enter.
A specially selected panel will judge each entry on originality, plot, characterisation, use of language and enjoyment. Winners selected in three categories – Year 3 and 4, Year 5 and 6, and Year 7 and 8 – will each receive a book token prize. An overall winner and their class will receive a special prize before the end of the football season, courtesy of the prize sponsors YTCST.
Competition organiser Siobhan Casson said “Our annual Young Writers Prize takes place at the start of each calendar year and up until now has only been for children in years five and six in south Somerset. This year, we’re delighted to open up the competition to pupils from across the county and in years three right up to year eight. We hope this encourages even more creative and talented young people to get involved.”
Siobhan continued “This year’s them is ‘Courage’, and we know it takes courage to enter a county-wide competition, especially if it’s your first time taking part. But remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained! Young writers are warmly invited to send their best efforts and we look forward to reading their work.”
Entries to the YCAA and YTCST Young Writers Prize 2023 must be received by Friday 24th February 2023, either by post or email. Each story must be accompanied by a form completed by a parent/guardian or the relevant school. Forms and further details are available from the Competitions page of our website or by emailing youngwritersprize2023@yeovilarts.co.uk. Winners will be contacted in March and the prize presentation will take place later that month.
Good luck everyone!