Small Heath Boxing Club

Small Heath boxing club is staffed by 10 volunteers who work with almost 100 socially excluded and hard to reach youngsters aged between 10 and 25. Drawing members from the neighbouring Small Heath and Ladywood areas, some of the most violent, crime ridden and poverty stricken areas in West Midlands, the boxing club sees itself as providing a diversionary activity.

The club believes that boxing encourages increased self esteem, self discipline, respect for others and an appreciation of a healthy life and body in the young people who attend sessions. With a growing membership, Small Heath now wants to introduce women only classes and increase its opening times. To do this successfully, they need to increase the number of qualified coaches and they will be using their Cash 4 Clubs grant to purchase additional protective equipment which is vital in this sport.

Patrick Benson, Coach, said: Protective equipment is vital to take part in boxing session and our £500 Cash 4 Clubs grant will enable us to purchase head guards and padded boxing gloves. We hope that by having loan kit on site, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds will not miss out on the opportunity to be an active member of our club due to financial constraints."

Visit www.smallheathboxingclub.co.uk for more information.