Melrose Athletic Club
A Fighting Chance For Our Youth
Serving Roanoke youth through boxing, mentorship, and community since 1972.
"Champ" Started It. We Never Stopped.
Boxing Builds Champions. Football Builds Character. Roanoke Builds Both.
Discipline builds champions. Mentorship builds futures. Champ's Gym builds both.
The Programs That Change Lives
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![Youth athletes training at Champ's Gym boxing and athletic program in Roanoke Virginia]()
Boxing and Athletic Training
Champ's Gym builds the full athlete: agility, strength, footwork, and mental toughness. Rooted in amateur boxing, our training develops skills that translate to every sport and area of life. Open to Roanoke youth ages 8 and up. No experience necessary.
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![Coaches and youth participants at Melrose Athletic Club mentorship program in Roanoke Virginia]()
Mentorship
Every young person who walks through our doors gets more than a workout. They get a coach, a community, and someone in their corner. Our mentorship program pairs Roanoke youth with experienced guides who show up consistently and invest in their future.
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![Melrose Athletic Club community members and youth at gun violence prevention program in Roanoke Virginia]()
Gun Violence Prevention
Melrose Athletic Club has been a safe, drug-free environment for Roanoke youth for over 50 years. Through structured programming, community outreach, and the discipline of sport, we give young people a positive path forward and a reason to stay on it.
The Numbers Behind Our Mission
City Proclamation: The City of Roanoke officially recognized Champ's Gym for five decades of service to this community. We didn't ask for it. We earned it.
What Our Community Says
What's Happening At M.A.C
From the boxing gym to the football field - there is always something worth showing up for.
Everything You Need To Know
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We welcome Roanoke youth ages 8 and up. No experience is necessary — just a willingness to show up and put in the work. Our coaches meet every young person where they are and build from there.
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Yes. Champ's Gym is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We believe cost should never be a barrier to opportunity. If you have a young person who wants to train, reach out to us and we will make it work.
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We offer youth boxing and athletic training, one-on-one mentorship, and gun violence prevention programming. Every program is built around the same core belief - that discipline, community, and someone in your corner can change the trajectory of a young person's life.
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We are located at 915 9th Street NW, Roanoke, Virginia 24016 in the heart of the Melrose neighborhood. We have been right here serving this community since 1972.
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You can donate directly through our website, volunteer your time, or spread the word. Every dollar keeps our doors open and our athletes on the floor. If you are a local business or organization interested in partnering with us, we want to hear from you.
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Champ's Gym is a division of Melrose Athletic Club, Inc., a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in Roanoke, Virginia. We are independently operated and community funded - no corporate backing, no political agenda. Just 50 years of showing up for Roanoke's youth.
Fifty Years In The Valley
Since 1972, Melrose Athletic Club has been a cornerstone of this community - training young athletes, mentoring young people, and giving Roanoke youth something worth showing up for. Over fifty years later, the doors are still open, the coaches are still here, and the mission has never wavered. This is what that looks like.
In 1972 Earnest "Champ" Cabbler opened the doors of Champ's Gym in Roanoke, Virginia with one belief, that every young person deserves a fighting chance. Over fifty years later those doors are still open. We have produced state and regional champions, mentored thousands of youth, earned a proclamation from the City of Roanoke, and never once stopped showing up for this community. That is not a track record. That is a legacy.
A Legacy That Started With One Fight.
Get in Touch
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.
Fifty Years In. Still Fighting For Roanoke's Youth.
Your donation keeps our doors open and our athletes on the floor.