The YMCA was founded in 1844 by George Williams at the age of only 23. George was the son of a farmer and had planned to follow in his father’s footsteps, but an unfortunate incident with an upturned cattle cart saw him packed off to London to become a draper’s assistant.
Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group which soon became popular attracting men from across London. Called the Young Mens Christian Association, the group began to address other issues facing workers in the increasingly industralised cities.
Open to everyoneFrom this small seed an international movement grew that today has 45 million members across 125 different countries. Today, the YMCA is open to everyone, men and women of all faiths and none. In the UK, YMCA England is associated with 135 YMCAs.
Every YMCA is different, all offering services and facilities connected to the needs of their communities with the aim of giving people the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Areas of work include Supported Housing, Youth and Children's Work, Health and Fitness, Education and Training. Facilities and services may differ, but what every YMCA has in common is the aim to treat every individual holistically - mind, body and spirit as symbolised by the YMCA triangle.
Some random facts about the YMCA
- The YMCA invented basketball and volleyball.
- In England, each night, the YMCA houses over 7,000 people.
- It was a YMCA worker in New York who established the tradition of wearing a poppy to commemorate the soldiers of WW1.
- During WW2 the YMCA ran a fleet of tea vans to offer refreshment to soldiers, rescue workers and victims of bombing raids.
- George William's great, great, great grandson is Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London.
- Over 20 people have performed as The Village People since they first had a hit with their disco anthem YMCA.
- Tom Jones started his singing career at Pontypridd YMCA
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