Development of the Young Men’s and Women’s Christian Associations (YMCA and YWCA) in Czechoslovakia

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and its later sister organization, focusing on care of girls (YWCA), have a long tradition dating back to 1844. They were targeted at young people aged between 12 and 18 years, trying to provide conditions for their overall development. In the Czech lands, the first organization was founded in 1886 as part of the Evangelical Church. In 1919, its American offshoot came to Bohemia along with returning legionnaires, and soon, a local association was formed, which was generously subsidized mainly from American sources. Many of these organizations then operated here mainly with their social and sports activities. Above all, American affiliates brought new methods of training and sports. YMCA and YWCA were abolished twice in 1943 and 1951.