Successful £20,000 grant bid gets Thorne boxing gym on the move

A Doncaster sport club has put the wheels in motion to send its members to competitions and shows, thanks to a £20,000 windfall.

Almond Boxing Academy, based in Thorne, has been successful in its bid to obtain the cash grant from the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Fund.

Club director Claire Banks explained: “The grant is paid in two stages, the first stage has allowed us to buy, tax, and insure a minibus for the gym which we can use to take our members sparring and to boxing shows across the country.

“We will also be using the minibus to take members on days out and to train outdoors at different locations.”

Also known as ABA, Almond Boxing Academy was founded by Niall Almond in 2017.

Inspired by the positive affect boxing training had on the disadvantaged people he trained, Niall realised he could replicate this success further within the community.

ABA trains adults at all levels, from the complete beginner to confident amateur, and from fitness to competitive boxer. ABA is a unisex gym and the staff are able to provide both group training sessions and one to ones.

Child classes have a good mix of boys and girls from the age of seven upwards.

Claire added: “ABA children’s sessions provide positive role models, discipline, and build confidence. The children who attend our boxing school work hard, are dedicated, and learn that their hard work pays off.

“We passionately believe in investing in our students, across the board. We’re fortunate to have a great team of volunteer coaches who give their time to enrich the lives and develop the skills of our students.

“We love to promote the benefits of fitness and welcome inquiries from schools, the NHS, and other organisations within the community where we can work to make a positive impact.

For more information visit www.AlmondBoxingAcademy.co.uk

For grant funding details visit https://southyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/news/launch-of-the-south-yorkshire-violence-reduction-unit-and-south-yorkshire-violence-reduction-fund/