Lewis CoombesLeigh Park and
Curtis Lancaster
BBCA boxing club, which has been credited with helping to fight crime and anti-social behaviour, has been described as “a family” by the young fighters who attend its sessions.
Leigh Park Amateur Boxing Club, near Havant, caters for people of all ages and abilities and has now received funding to support disadvantaged young people in the area.
Billy Bessey started boxing at the venue 41 years ago and now runs the club.
He described the local area as “deprived” and said the £12,900 they have received will allow them to give free boxing sessions for those in need.
Reflecting on the work that already takes place there, Billy said he was “proud” to see how the coaches had helped people to become “not just better boxers but better people as well”.
Heidi Ogden is a level two England boxing coach and has been with the club for six years.
“It helps to keep the kids off the streets and even keep adults in check to be honest with you,” she said.
She added that it is a great place for people to “grow” and “learn respect”.
She said there was great “camaraderie” and “friendship” at the club even though “you want to take someone’s head off for a few minutes”.
The club successfully bid for £12,900 from the ASB Safer Communities Fund, from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner.
Heidi said it would help with the rising costs at the venue and with equipment.
She added: “Because of the area we are in, there isn’t a lot of wealth, so it’s really nice for us to be able to offer some children a chance to come and train for free.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary reported they had seen a rise in anti-social behaviour caused by young people, this year.
Heidi thinks the sport can go some way to preventing that at a time where there are fewer youth groups around.
“Boxing gives you a focus, it gives you a reason to go and you can achieve things you never thought you could,” she said.
Bobby, 16, goes to the club three times a week and said: “It’s like a family to me now.”
Sporting a recent black eye, he explained how boxing had helped him with his physical and mental health.
“It’s literally like a social club, you socialise with your mates, you box, so there’s nothing really that you can’t like about it,” he said.
Others at the club have described how it has helped keep them on the right track and supported them finding apprenticeships and work.
Shakila, who is 28, said the club provided a “home away from home” for young people going through difficult times, allowing them to channel their anger and “connect with their emotions, rather than bottling them up”.
