I understand wanting to hang out with your own crowd/age group... but I think you'll find a lot of those old RC plane guys are fun to hang out with and learn from, especially if you really want to learn about RC planes. My club is the same way. If it were me, I'd spend a few weekends hanging out with the old guys at the club, learning to fly, and keeping my only plane in one piece, and then show off to my buddies what I can do. Maybe even teach them how to fly after I've gotten more experience.

Having one of those "old guys" on a buddy box save your ***** from one stupid mistake can save you hundreds of dollars (euros, pounds,...) and many hours of rebuilding time. You'll learn much quicker because you'll stay in the air much longer, and because you'll have experienced advice by your side.

BTW, I consider this positive advice because I'm positive that you'd be much happier getting in several flights on a buddy box and then soloing, than you will rebuilding your first plane after the maiden flight.

Anyway, I wish you luck in your attempt, regardless of my opinion about it!