The YMCA was founded in London in 1844 by Sir George Williams (knighted in 1894 for his lifelong service to boys). At the time he was 23 years of age. The organisation was formed among young business men in response to the unhealthy social conditions (in particular gambling and drinking) arising in large cities at the end of the Industrial Revolution. The YMCA attempted to combat idleness among young workers by means of Bible studies and prayer meetings. The YMCA idea proved very popular, and by 1851 Great Britain had 2700 members in 24 associations.

The YMCA movement spread to industrial centers in North America and Europe in 1851. On December 29 of that year the first YMCA in the United States was founded in Boston, Massachusetts. By 1854, 26 associations had been formed in the United States and Canada.

In Europe, George Williams and his associates introduced the YMCA movement to Paris, France, and to other major capitals. By 1854, 397 associations had 30,369 members in seven countries. In the same year the first international YMCA convention was held in Paris.

The first YMCA in Australia was founded in 1850 in Adelaide. Other early associations were established in Sydney and Melbourne in 1853 and Hobart in 1854. There are now 48 YMCAs in Australia, serving approximately 106 communities.

YMCA spread to other countries as follows ...

The spread of the YMCA movement through the world was especially promoted by the association in the USA, which sent thousands of workers across the world to organize YMCAs. These were then turned over to local control.

In 1861 the outbreak of the American Civil War virtually paralyzed the YMCA movement in the United States, but the adoption of a new war program soon revitalized the organization. In 1862 the association formed the first civilian volunteer organization dedicated to the welfare of war prisoners and other servicemen.

In Australia, wartime services began when army authorities allowed a YMCA secretary to accompany Australian volunteers to the Boer War. These services were greatly extended during World War I, when a voluntary organisation, under the aegis of the YMCA and financed by public donations, was brought into being. It had full approval of army authorities and established "Y.Emma" recreation huts at military camps in Australia and overseas. These huts were used as recreation rooms, writing rooms, chapels, refreshment rooms, concert halls and as general social centers for the troops. The YMCA also worked with prisoners of war, displaced persons, and refugees. After the war it instituted an extensive counselling program for veterans.

Similar work was done during World War II when more than 320 Australian YMCA representatives served in the various war zones with Australian troops. Their activities were supplemented to a much greater extent than in World War I by other organisations which were financed from governmental resources. These included the Army Education Service, the Canteens Services and the Comfort Fund Commissioners.

In 1941 the YMCA joined with five other organisations to form the United Service Organizations (USO), which supplied entertainment, social services, and spiritual guidance for the U.S. armed services throughout the course of World War II. The USO is still very active today. Have a look at their Home Page for detailed information on their activities and the history of the organisation.

From 1878 to 1916 the scope and variety of YMCA work increased steadily. Buildings with libraries, gymnasiums, swimming pools, auditoriums, and hotel-type rooms were put up by many associations. The YMCA opened summer camps and introduced the idea of overnight camping, set up colleges, and was instrumental in the development of night schools. Associations ran exercise classes, developed body-building techniques, organized college students for social action, and served the special needs of railroad workers and military personnel.

The popular sport of basketball was invented in December 1891 by James Naismith, a Canadian clergyman, educator, and physician, while he was an instructor at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts (now Springfield College). At the request of his superior, Dr. Luther H. Gulick, he organized a vigorous recreation suitable for indoor winter play. The game involved elements of American football, soccer, and hockey, and the first ball used was a soccer ball. Teams had nine players, and the goals were wooden peach baskets affixed to the walls.

Volleyball was invented in 1895 as a recreational pastime by William G. Morgan, physical education director of the YMCA in Holyoke, Massachusetts. His game, which he originally called Mintonette, quickly became popular around the world.

The YMCA also assisted in the formation of other groups such as the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, the Student Christian Movement, World Council of Churches, World University Service and Camp Fire.

The challenges faced by the YMCA during World War I (mentioned above) were soon followed by the troubles of the economic depression in the 1930s. Associations were forced to curtail programs drastically. However, this also helped to accelerate the development of partnerships with other social welfare organisations. The resultant relationships continue, to the benefit of all involved.

By the 1950s most barriers to membership for girls and women were dropped and YMCAs expanded into suburban areas. The next decade in the United States was marked by political turmoil, urban riots, and increasing drug use. Fewer young people were interested in participating in YMCA activities. When severe financial problems arose in the organization, summer camps were sold, buildings and residences shut, and maintenance funds used for daily operating expenses. Similar problems were experienced in associations throughout the world.

In the late 1970s, however, a surge of interest in health and fitness sparked renewed interest in the YMCA, which by this time had facilities, equipment, and trained personnel throughout many countries. Child care and camping also became areas of focus during this time. The system soon regained its economic health, and by the 1980s it was again expanding.