YMCA was founded by Sir George Williams – a worker in the drapery trade in London.

Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group. This soon grew and attracted men from across London.

YMCA begins to address other concerns of young men working in the cities.

Public lectures and education classes are developed.

Reading rooms and refreshment areas help young men to adjust to urban life.

YMCA is spread out outside London, and the first YMCAs outside the capital were set up in Manchester and Leeds.

Connections were made at the Great Exhibition in London, and YMCA spread across the shores, with YMCAs in the USA and Canada.

Seven years after its establishment, a YMCA was formed in Boston, USA.

(Photo: Y USA 1920s Employment office Brooklyn Central Branch YMCA)

Henry Dunant, who later founded the International Committee of the Red Cross, was a prominent pioneer in creating a global movement.

He convinced YMCA Paris to organise the first YMCA ‘World Conference’.

The conference produces the ‘Paris Basis’ – an agreement about the aims of YMCA.

It also saw the launch of an international committee and headquarters, which would become the World Alliance of YMCAs.

“The YMCAs seek to unite those young men who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and saviour, according to the holy scriptures, desire to be his disciples in their faith and in their life, and to associate their efforts for the extension of his kingdom amongst young men’. 

‘Any differences of opinion on other subjects, however important in themselves, shall not interfere with the harmonious relations of the constituent members and associates of the World Alliance.’

(Photo: The Paris Basis 1855)

The first YMCA holiday centre was established on the Isle of Wight. Their huge popularity led to the opening of another 25 centres.

Billy Butlin later adapted the idea by creating purpose-built holiday camps.

The first gymnasium at a YMCA in the USA opens its doors, kickstarting members’ personal fitness journey.

(Photo: YMCA Grand Central branch, New York, also known as the Railroad Branch.)

British YMCAs incorporated personal fitness into their programmes and opened their first gym.

(Photo: YMCA Birkenhead Basketball)

In Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor, created basketball. Later, in 1895, the same YMCA developed volleyball by William G. Morgan, who intended to create a less physical sport than basketball for older members of the YMCA.

On the 50th anniversary of YMCA, George Williams receives a knighthood from Queen Victoria and permits YMCA to celebrate on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The World Alliance of YMCAs celebrates its 50th anniversary.

YMCAs are now in 45 countries with a global membership of over 707,000.

George Williams died at the age of 83 and is laid to rest in the crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral.

(Photo: YMCA of the Rockies, USA)

YMCA was an early influence on the Scouting movement and the first Scout troops met in the Birkenhead and Nottingham YMCA buildings.

(Photo: YMCA building, Nottingham)

The first purpose-built hostels are opened in Cardiff and London.

During the First World War, YMCA supports the troops.

YMCA huts provide soldiers with food and a place to rest on the frontline or at home in military camps and railway stations.

YMCA embarks on a monumental education programme for soldiers, eventually becoming the Army Education Corps.

An American YMCA worker, Moina Michael, introduced the red poppy, which became a worldwide symbol of remembrance for those who were lost in the World Wars.

In England, a YMCA employment department was established to address unemployment. It found jobs for 38,000 ex-servicemen.

YMCA set up the ‘British Boys for British Farms’ initiative, which benefits 25,000 young people.

During the Second World War, YMCA introduces mobile canteens, bringing refreshments to the troops.

It also supports displaced people, refugees and prisoners of war.

The British Government publishes the Albermarle report about the need for better leisure facilities for teenagers.

This results in many YMCAs beginning youth clubs to promote young people’s personal development.

YMCA George Williams College is established in London, providing training programmes for professional youth workers.

Today, the college is one of the leading trainers in informal education.

In the 1970s, YMCA increased its emphasis on young people and their growing needs, focusing on homelessness and unemployment.

YMCA Training for Life is launched, in response to high unemployment among young people. This resulted in the creation of YMCA Training – one of the UK’s leading vocational training organisations.

YMCA Training has supported over a million people to date.

Y Care International, the overseas development agency of YMCAs in England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland are established.

Today, it supports projects for vulnerable young people in over 20 countries worldwide.

YMCAs in Wales affiliate to the National Council.

(Photo: YMCA Swansea Young Carer’s Service)