Don't you jut love city - giving to the community

[Topdawg]

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.”

[volleyballissport]

Oh no, now we'll be accused of ruining boxing !!

This is the sort of thing that should receive much wider publicity, along with all the other stuff, like City in the community, that shows a long term commitment to the local area from the club at all levels.

It'll never catch on

[ONH]

yeh I agree well done but belive it or not United do lots of work in the community as do loads of other prem clubs.

No need to shout about it from the rooftops though.

[blueboy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PDu8vGKg5c

From back in Nov.

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