The History of The Florrie Gym

The Florrie Gym has been at the centre of our sporting success throughout the buildings history. It became a hub for nurturing Liverpool’s sporting heritage with many championship teams including gymnastics, baseball, basketball and of course, football with Florence Albion FC. Many boxing greats also trained at The Florrie including Billy Williams, Dick Tiger, Larry Paul, and Alan Rudkin MBE. 

A focus on sporting success was hugely apparent almost as soon as the building opened. Our first annual report in 1889 discusses how The Physical Recreation Committee launched a lively programme of cadet drills, a harrier’s running club, a swimming club and gymnastic pursuits. In that first year the gymnasium’s senior and junior teams won several competitions, defeating in turn The Gordon Institute, Hugh Oldham Club, Manchester, and The Chorlton and Medlock Boys’ Club. 

Members were not permitted to revel in their successes however, ‘The Committee have tried to impress on the boys the importance of trying to excel in all competitions for the honour of being victorious not for the sake of winning prizes and medals.’

These days The Florrie Gym continues to be used for our Community Hub Activities like table tennis, fitness & yoga groups. It’s also an event space where we host everything from wedding parties to large business meetings.