During the early war years a decision was made to form a new Youth Department within the Methodist Church.  This would continue the work of the existing Sunday School & Guild Departments, but also encompass the new emerging Youth Clubs.  At the end of Second World War many Methodist youth clubs had been, and were being formed across the country.

In 1943 the Birmingham Conference agreed on setting up a Department for Youth Clubs.  The responsibility for this was given to Douglas Griffiths.

The public inauguration of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs happened at the first London Weekend in1945 at the Royal Albert Hall.  

 In 1946, MAYC founder Douglas Griffiths, established the seven Guiding Principles for MAYC. They were: Create a Group, Grow real persons, Grow a sense of belonging, Work towards wholeness, Go for the first rate, Live on a large Map, and Take your place in the Church.

Through the years MAYC has kept its place in the forefront of the nation's youth work, and has brought new life into the Church. Training and volunteering schemes, partnership with other churches and organisations all played it parts in developing in making MAYC a good youth service. The past Members' Council, and Methodist Youth Executive, Youth Conference and World Action all played their part in giving young people a voice in the Methodist Church and society.

Today, MAYC is part of the Pastoral Care and Christian Education section in the Church Life unit of the Methodist Church where it continues to support youth work. Former MAYC members are able to keep in touch through MAYC Friends network.

For years young people in MAYC have been famous for wearing green and yellow.   it is unclear how this tradition started but one is that Douglas Griffiths,  asked a woman to knit some scarves for young people to wear at the annual London Weekend event. Green and yellow yarn was all that she had. So it stuck for years and years. Even today young people can be seen wearing green and yellow to MAYC events. This however, does not exclude anyone who may prefer to wear other colours.

The dawning of the 21st Century sees MAYC continuing to influence the changing methods we use to carry out our work - young people are taking an ever increasing role in determining the work and are being involved at all levels from planning to delivery.  2004 sees the launch of a new logo and website.  2005 will see more changes and history being made when MAYC celebrates its 60th Birthday.