A boxing club in Scunthorpe is set to move into larger Ongo premises this month in the hope that it will be able to offer more opportunities to local people.
The club’s new home, which is based on Enderby Road, Scunthorpe, will take the place of Ongo’s previous Choose to Reuse second-hand furniture store.
Ongo has been working with Riddings Amateur Boxing Club for a number of years and has modified the building and removed walls to fit equipment inside.
Going forward, Ongo will also support the club to access external grant funding.
The club has been running for over 40 years, and over that time has provided sports sessions to hundreds of young people.
Previously renting space at a community centre, the club decided it needed a more permanent base in which it could provide sessions to more people, extend funding options, and grow membership.
Pete Smith, a coach at Riddings Amateur Boxing Club, said: “This is a really great move for us and one we’re all really excited about.
“It’s not too far away, but means we can attract more young people from different areas.
“We’re not a profit making business so for us it really is about giving something back to local people.
“We just love seeing them enjoy the sport and having something positive to focus on.
“It means we can make the club as big and successful as possible. We’d like to say a massive thank you to Ongo for their help, we can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
Kerry Copson, Community Development manager at Ongo, said: “We are very excited to be working in partnership with the club so closely, to provide a new home and help grow their sessions.
“We offer free mentoring and activities to young people, so it’s great for us to link in with other local groups, so we can work together to improve wellbeing and raise aspirations.
“Boxing is something we’re always asked about from people in the Westcliff area, so we’re pleased it’s now available in a location much closer to them. We can’t wait for it to open.”
The boxing club are expected to move in this month to prepare for their opening in early 2021.
Image: Riddings Amateur Boxing Club coach Pete Smith and Ongo Community Development manager Kerry Copson
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