Champs Camp Open Day

This special event will share the story of the Moss Side Boxing & Athletics Association and the late Phil Martin, founder of Champs Camp, alongside an exhibition of photographs charting the gym’s journey over the years. Visitors if able will also have the chance to experience a guided tour while the gym is in action.

You will be introduced to the Champs Camp Archive Project, which is dedicated to preserving the legacy and telling the stories of the UK’s first Black-led boxing gym.

Founded in Moss Side in the 1980s, Champs Camp was created in response to social deprivation and unrest. Phil Martin transformed a derelict former Co-op building into a thriving boxing gym, offering young people a safe space, discipline, and opportunity. At its peak, it was home to four British champions.

Today, the gym continues to train young people and professional fighters, carrying forward Phil Martin’s legacy. The Camps Camp Archive project highlights an important chapter in Black British history, ensuring its story is recognised and remembered.

Time(s): Opening Event:12 noon - 13.00. Drop In: 13.00 - 16.00.

Date: Saturday 6th June 2026.

Location: Moss Side Boxing & Athletics Association,139 Princess Road. Manchester M14 4RE United Kingdom.

Champs Camp Archive Project is supported by Manchester Histories, the University of Manchester and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery Players.

This event is part of Manchester Histories Festival 2026 –exploring Civic Pride. #MHF2026

Accessibility

We want this event to feel welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Please note that the gym space is currently accessed via a fairly steep staircase with a handrail, and there is no step-free access or lift.

If this might be a barrier for you, please feel free to get in touch with us ahead of time. We are very happy to talk through what you might need and see how we can support you to take part.

Most of the photographs featured in the exhibition will also be available to view at Manchester Central Library on the same day, where the space is fully accessible.

Email: info@manchesterhistories.co.uk

Call: 0161 306 1982

Event Capacity

Due to the popularity of this event, tickets are in high demand. If you've booked a ticket but can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected]. This will allow us to offer your place to someone on our waiting list.

Photography

Please note, photographs will be taken at the event, if you do not want your image to be taken please inform a member of the team. Thank you.

Donations

Our event is free to attend, and as a small charity we truly welcome any contribution you are able to make. Suggested donations of £3–£10 help us continue our work with local communities, create imaginative and inclusive programmes, and sustain the Manchester Histories Festival in celebrating Greater Manchester’s rich and diverse histories and heritage. Every donation, whatever the amount, makes a real difference. Thank you for supporting us.

Data Gathering

When registering for this event we will ask you some questions about your age, gender, ethnicity, disability and postcode. Gathering this information helps us to report back to our funders and enables us to better understand our audiences so we can ensure we reach as many people as possible now and in the future. The information is given anonymously.

Info: Ticket checking starts.

Info: Open to all

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Moss Side Boxing & Athletics Association, 139 Princess Road, Manchester, United Kingdom

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