BOXERS from Brecon have picked themselves up to go again and formed a new club following their old club’s closure.
The Brecon Phoenix Boxing Club has now officially opened its doors. The club was formed by former members and coaches who continued to meet and train in a field when the former club was closed down.
They moved to a local hall in the winter and worked tirelessly, raising enough money to start a new club at the Queen Market Vaults in April.
The club was officially opened this month by Superintendent Jon Cummins and Chief Inspector Matt Scrase of Dyfed-Powys Police.
Club head coach, former amateur boxer Dave Gilbert, is a serving detective in the force.
The volunteer-led club, which is affiliated to the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association, and already has several active, competitive boxers has been supported by several local organisations, businesses and individuals.
A new coaching structure, led by Gilbert with Zoe Ellams-Horne and Helen Covington assisting him, has also been put in place and the club also has a completely new committee which said it is thankful for the support it has received in setting up. An anonymous donor has covered the cost of the club’s new boxing ring, which previously belonged to recently retired Welsh former world champion Nathan Cleverly.
Others who’ve supported the club include Nigel Dawson at Valley Group, HMS Scaffolding for providing the rig from which the bags are hung from, Ty Mawr Lime for the paint, Askews Bakery, Crickhowell for a donation to set up a Social Inclusion Fund and donation to buy new equipment, Mark Doran for a donation for new kit, Phil Savage Carpentry and Istevan Bognar and Wolfie Hughes who have carried out artwork at the club.
“Without this support there would not be a club and all members are very grateful,” said coach Gilbert who added the club is always on the lookout for more sponsors or donations for equipment having started from scratch.
The club opens at 6pm and sessions run until 7.30/8pm. Monday, Wednesday and Friday sessions are led by a group of experienced coaches and are more focussed on competitive boxing and contact sparring. Sessions on a Tuesday and Thursdays are more focussed on bag work, pad-work and fitness.
The club is open to all from the age 10 and membership is £10 per year.