The gloves are on at a boxing institution saved from a knockout blow by Manchester City.
Ardwick Boxing Club is now open for business in a new home paid for by the Blues after its old base was condemned.
The 115-year-old club looked to have fought its final round when the roof collapsed on its already-dilapidated gym on Palmerston Street.
But kindhearted City bosses spotted the club’s plight – and found it a new facility in the shadows of the Etihad stadium on Bosworth Street.
They also made the club the first winner of the new Connell Award named after the Blues’ founding family and aimed at helping sports clubs in east Manchester. And they even handed over a cheque for new boxing gear.
City staff were drafted in to spend a day working at the new site and club sponsors were asked to donate equipment. Now coach Ian Harrison says the club is missing just one vital ingredient– more boxers.
The 52-year-old – ironically a United fan – wants to see youngsters from the new catchment area come in and lace up.
He said: “We’re open for business and it’s great. We just need to get a few more people here now. We’re getting the message out and it would be great to see some kids from the nearby estates. We’ve got a good bunch here but there’s room for more. It’s good fun, it builds up your character and you get the chance to win trophies.”
The end had seemed nigh for the club when lead thieves caused the roof collapse at its old home.
Ian said: “I never thought this day would come, especially last year when we were homeless. It’s still sinking in to be honest. We’re really grateful to City who have been fantastic. We’re going to do a grand opening in March and hopefully get Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan here.”
Ian said the new facilities are going down a storm with his young charges. He said: “We’ve got a gym, mirrors, a ring and the showers have just gone in. They’re fantastic – you can’t get some of the kids out of them.”
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What a great story. Well done City, and good luck to all at this new club.
good to see the club putting something into the community keep up the good work on/off the field
How wonderful to have a club in the city that puts things into it.
All looks good lads. Keep up the good work.
Yet again City doin a great thing for the locals.
Not sure about not being able to get the kids out of the showers though?!? Chuck em in the ring
'You can't but support' - they're certainly trying.
MCFC ruining boxing now I see.
Funny, when the owners of City took charge, all you heard was 'club will lose it's soul', 'forgotten it's routes' etc. I reckon never in the history of MCFC ( well not during the 40 years I've been going ) has the club been more in touch with the community and fanbase with much groundwork set by Gary Cook to be fair.
Forza MCFC, we love you.
I hope MCFC supplied them with a Chris Foy punch bag.
Excellent news. I never understood why boxing doesn't form some part of the sports city/Etihad campus. Especially with the sport's history in the city.
It seemed so obvious I always presumed it was due fears of impacting existing clubs in the area. Clubs such as Ardwick.
If Arwdwick was in trouble the council should've looked into using them as the core of a new boxing club for all levels and ages. One that will be easily accessbile by tram.
They spent 24 million on a BMX track. They could've built a world class boxing facility for a quarter of that. Still could.
Another great scheme in Manchester fully supported by the only football team in Manchester
This is great news, and one of the often unseen pieces of work that mega rich football clubs do - donating and helping local communities. Manchester United have their foundation charity and City also do their own plus City are planning to provide new emp[loyment for hundreds awith their new development which will also provide a new 6th form college, community football pitches etc.
Well done to the owners of City, they could have just pumped billions into the wages of the players and not done anything for the community but they are an example of helping the local community.
I'm a rugby fan but it is great to see City doing this work.
Can this club do any more for the local community? absolutely outstanding gesture. Well done Manchester City yet again.
Spent many an hour in Ardwick lads(boxing) club when it was on Palmerston street as a kid growing up , being trained by the late Billy Hayes & a young Bobby Rimmer,
As a blue i find it very ironic it should be Manchester City who should come to the aid of the Ardwick based club, As many years before my Late father ( Bill Cooper of Thompson Street Bradford Beswick M/cr ) had a Amatear career of 326 fights under the guidance of the magnificent Billy Hayes, & in those days most the fund raising to put on local boxing exihbitions were done by Mr Hayes & his family , with the help of jumble sales & shoe sales with local based shoe repairers "TIMPSONS" .
Yet when it came to the shows & even some of the fund raisers ( even down to presenting young budding Manchester fighters trophies , The irony was even in those days ....... STEP UP ONE MANCHESTER CITY'S BERT TRAUTMAN.
My father went on to have many dealings with Trautman who it should be remembered & noted that he did as much off the pitch in manchester ( & the surrounding areas of Belle Vue where he had be held as a prisoner of war, before remaining in England & ultimatley signing as MCFC's keeper after the war ) has he did on it.
Had my father been around to see it, i'm darn sure it would of put a great big smile on his face to know that Ardwick lads has a new club, & Ian Harrison carry on the fantastic work that has been laid in the foundations of Manchester boxing Generation after Generation.
What do they say? "HISTORY HAS A HABIT OF REPEATING ITSELF"
Well done CITY for backing such a great institution that is ARDWICK LADS CLUB.
Well Done City.....and people still think the money City have is ruining the world?
Good news. Well played City.
Well done to all at Manchester City. The City in the Community Scheme is fantastic and I am extremely proud of our club, the players and staff. You are a credit to us.
Good.
As secretary of Ardwick Lads amateur boxing club may I on behalf of the club express our
sincere thanks to all at MCFC. We honestly thought we had finished, the council found us a place in Clayton, they wanted £230 a week rent this of course was laughable, we are a little amateur boxing club. Then MCFC heard of our plight and asked if they could help.
Honestly its been like winning the lottery we cant believe our luck MCFC have presented us with a first class boxing gym, the club have not been good they have been absolutley
magnificent many many thanks
Peter Hayes (wish my late father Billy could have seen the gym)
Great story. Yet again, City step up to the plate with community work. Agree with the earlier comments that much more should be invested in Boxing.
I can vouch for it on every level from character building to fitness. A truly great sport.