Boxing club fighting for its future

A boxing club is determined to avoid a knockout blow as it bids to preserve its future.
Skerton Boxing Club open day at new premises.Skerton Boxing Club open day at new premises.
Skerton Boxing Club open day at new premises.

Skerton Amateur Boxing Club originally announced to the shock of its promising stable of fighters that it was set to close its doors due to financial problems.

But it could yet rise from the canvas after an appeal for public support.

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A ‘fighting fund’ has been set up in a bid to cover the December rent and bill of its Langdale Business Park gym with coach Paul Fielding, involved with the club for 10 years, overwhelmed by the support from fighters and their families.

He said: “I was contacted by three of the club’s senior boxers who planted an idea of how to try and raise funds to keep the club open.

“We have posted on Facebook asking for donations for a ‘fighting fund’ and we have had a great response so far.

“If this continues we will be able to keep the doors open and seriously push for a sponsor to help us continue.”

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The news of a possible closure came in the week the club produced a national champion with 15-year-old Morecambe Community High School pupil Andre Vidal Junior having triumphed down in Kent.

He is just one around 150 youngsters for whom the club is a big part of their lives according to Paul.

He said: “We’ve have about 30 lads coming in five nights a week. That’s 150 kids off the street every week.

“A lot of the kids are from underprivileged backgrounds and can’t pay.

“I’ve never turned anyone away though.

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“We’re non-profit and all the money we’ve made has always gone straight back into the gym.

“But we were struggling to pay the rent.

“When I told them it was shutting they were gutted.

“Some of them train five nights a week, it’s a big part of their lives.”

The future looks a little brighter now with the club hoping to be able to see in the new year.

If you want to support the club, contact Paul on 077666 55401.

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