A PIONEERING Fulham boxing club has been given cash to help it continue reaching out to borough teenagers.
Sands End Community Boxing Club launched at Hurlingham and Chelsea School, in Peterborough Road, in June 2010 and holds free sessions for children between 11 and 17.
The youngsters learn boxing skills and 'life modules’ on gun, knife and gang crime, bullying, drugs and anti-social behaviour.
The brainchild of Sands End Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, it won the School Project of the Year award from the Amateur Boxing Association of England at the 2011 ABAE Annual Awards last April.
Now it has received a financial boost with £90,000 from Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s £15m Sports Legacy Fund, to go towards improving its facilities.
Ian Illett, the school’s business manager, said: “One big purchase we will be making is a mobile boxing ring, with the remainder of the money being invested on infrastructure and the gym refurbishment.
“The mobile boxing ring can be dismantled during the school day, allowing the PE department to have full use of the gym during the day. The boxing club will then set up the ring as and when it is needed.”
Boxing sessions are held twice a week immediately after school for students, before an open session is held for the public later in the evening. There is also a public session every Saturday.
“While no plans are finalised just yet, the aim is that the school will be offering various types of physical activity sessions which will be open to the public,” added Mr Illett.
“The school is endeavouring to become a hub within the community and these building plans are just one element of achieving this. The school has moved on from a bleak future six years ago and is now achieving its highest results with an outstanding judgement from Ofsted. On top of this, we are also securing our links with the community.”
Work on the upgrade started on December 19 and includes plans to redevelop the sports areas which have become run down. It will include a fitness suite, activity room for yoga and pilates and an upgrade to the sports hall ceiling.
Councillor Helen Binmore, the council’s children’s services leader, said: “This is excellent news for Hurlingham and Chelsea School who, together with Sands End Police Community Boxing Club, have an impressive track record of encouraging boxing amongst their students and within the local community.
“This funding boost from the mayor will hopefully put the spotlight on the school’s hard work promoting the sport to young people.”
