Established in 1846, Manchester YMCA is one of the oldest YMCAs in the world. Originally its brief was religious – offering bible studies and support to young professional workers arriving in the rapidly expanding industrial centre of Manchester. Over the years its services and facilities have adapted to the changing needs of the community to the point where its main emphasis is now on physical recreation and youth & community work within a philosophy of care and concern for others.

For most of the twentieth century, Manchester YMCA occupied premises opposite the central library. Facilities included a swimming pool and an indoor running track as well as gymnasia, a snooker hall, rugby fives courts and a hostel. In the 1980s it became clear that a move was essential in order to give members the facilities needed for a successful future. In 1990 the YMCA relocated to the Castlefield site – purpose built with a 48-bed hotel and a state of the art sport and fitness facility – the Y Club and the Castlefield Hotel.

The complete facility is owned by the Manchester YMCA, a charity governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees who receive no payment for their services. Volunteers also run many of the activities in the Y Club – keep fit classes, Junior Y, Harriers, Wrestlers, and Rugby Fives. The hotel is run as a commercial operation, managed as a trading company and covenanting all profits to the charity – Manchester YMCA.

Manchester YMCA is a member of the worldwide YMCA family, operating in more than 100 countries with over 30 million members. The original YMCA was founded in London in 1844 by George Williams.