Boxing club gets a new lease of life after cash boost from housing group

Ripley Amateur Boxing Club received £244 from Futures Homescape as part of its Your Vote Your Choice Community Grant Scheme.

The club can now buy new equipment and attract new members.

Zoe Davies, secretary and club coach at Ripley Amateur Boxing Club, said: “The money has been used to buy new gloves, bags and other kit.

“We can get through them quite quickly so it can be expensive to make sure we’ve got the right equipment.

“Thank you to Futures Homescape for the donation, it really helps us out.

“People think boxing clubs are just about people punching each other, when in reality that hardly ever happens.

“Boxing is a fantastic way to get fit and we have sessions for everybody here.

“A lot of the younger ones that come here would have nothing to do if they didn’t come here.

“They learn discipline, fitness, and we give them a place to channel their energy.”

The boxing club was one of 13 groups and clubs from across Derbyshire which received funding from the scheme, with more than £4,500 being handed out to help fund days out and new equipment.

The scheme has been running for more than 12 years, with over 100 beneficiaries.

Paul Parkinson, Futures Homescape’s executive director, said: “The Your Vote Your Choice Community Grant Scheme is there to help the brilliant community groups from across Derbyshire continue to do their amazing work.

“So many people rely on these clubs and we’re delighted to be helping them out.

“This boxing club for example, provides a service to the community by teaching youngsters how to be disciplined and get fit.”

To find out more about the scheme visit: www. homescape.futureshg.co.uk.