History of youth work History of youth work The history of youth work goes back to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, which was the first time that young men left their own homes and cottage industries to migrate to the big towns. The result of this migration was an emergent youth culture in urban areas, which was responded to by the efforts of local people. In 1844 the first organisation whose sole aim was to address the needs of young men was founded. The YMCA was set up by George Williams. Williams was from London and his goal was
George Williams (racewalker) George Williams (racewalker) George Williams (1935 – 24 December 2016) was a British racewalking athlete. A top walker of his generation, he won the bronze medal in the 20 kilometres race walk at the inaugural 1961 IAAF World Race Walking Cup. He was one of three Britons to medal at the event, the others being Ken Matthews and Don Thompson – both went on to win Olympic titles. He retired from the sport in his twenties, though Paul Nihill (an Olympic and European medallist) credited Williams with his successful approach to training methods in the developing sport. Williams published an