YMCA Wimbledon

Wimbledon Founded

Moving closer to Central London, YMCA Wimbledon was founded on Worple Road. A second location, the Victorian Villa, was opened soon after, although the date of this is unknown. A group of churchgoers formed the Kingston Association, wanting to provide for both the spiritual and practical needs of the community.

After Hours

Within a year, YMCA Wimbledon was officially formed. With working hours being as long and arduous as they were in the 19^th Century, the YMCA hoped to create a hub where men could meet and enjoy the “pleasures of wholesome friendship in a Christian atmosphere”.

Putting Religion into Practice

From the beginning, the YMCA’s focus was presenting religious ideals in a practical way. Churches in the area would spread the Christian message and YMCA would demonstrate its applicability to issues like employment and living conditions. This was especially for young people who might have otherwise turned away from God.

Cushy Comforts

YMCA Wimbledon set up a support hut for troops on Wimbledon Common. As well as practical help, they offered books, newspapers, cards tables, snooker, gramophone music and a varied entertainment programme to keep spirits high. For those with shellshock or anxieties about being shipped, this was a great comfort.

Rebuilding the Community

Following World War Two, the YMCA helped the community to heal. By offering housing, sports and education for the local residents, they were able to have a fresh start and even more importantly, a place they could find comfort and restoration in.

Famous Faces

During the 1970s, former British tennis player (not the Queen drummer), Roger Taylor MBE, helped raise money for the 1974 Wimbledon building. During this decade, whilst he was a YMCA gym member, he was at the peak of his career and ranked British number one between 1973 and 1974.

A Royal Launch

The new YMCA Wimbledon was opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth. Like the current Wimbledon building, it was located on The Broadway and it offered 60 beds to those who were at risk of homelessness within the South-West London area. Providing support to the area, it was seen as a beacon.

As both Kingston and Wimbledon are located in Southwest London, the YMCA centres merged in order to provide a more cohesive program between the two of them. Offering a variety of exercise classes, such as Reformer Pilates, soft play, courts, fields and cafés, together, they’re great for the whole family.

New and Improved

Wimbledon opens a new site on The Broadway! It now offers 121 hostel ensuite rooms and kitchen facilities. It also has new and affordable sporting facilities such as a gym, larger studio space for fitness classes as well as providing community counselling services, keeping the local area happy and healthy.

Celebrating a Century and a Half

This year, between 10^th and 12^th October, Wimbledon will be celebrating serving Merton for 150 years. They are holding an Art Exhibition to showcase the work of the local community as well as sharing testimonials and specially developed exercises from the Health & Wellbeing department.