YMCA Italy

Date of foundation of the YMCA: 

1851

The first Italian YMCA was established in Piedmont in 1851. In 1855, YMCA Italy participated in the first global meeting in Paris, which led to the foundation of the World Alliance of YMCAs. In 1887, the first Italian National Federation of YMCAs was founded in Florence. Significant milestones since then include the establishment of the “House of the Soldier” in 1915, the first YMCA in Rome in 1919, and the organization of basketball courses by Guido Graziani in 1923. During World War II, the YMCA headquarters in Rome supported the Red Cross and the Army. The YMCA in Italy has eight local associations. From 1946 to date, YMCA Italy has run regular institutional activities (summer and winter camps, fitness, hotel and hostel accommodations, Youth EU projects, local and national youth activities, sport club, exchanges activities, leadership courses, and more.)