Olympic boxer helps launch new community boxing club in Chapelford

Chapelford Boxing Club was officially opened on Friday (17 February) at Chapelford Village Primary School to provide a base for young people to exercise, learn new skills and socialise.

It has been set up by LiveWire following a spate of ASB incidents in the area and is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

At the launch event, the Commonwealth gold medallist encouraged the young people to take part in a range of activities including boxing workouts and team building exercises.

Courtney, who also represented Great Britain at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, has worked with young people for a number of years and has gained his Level 3 in Sports Mentoring.

It’s hoped that the activities on offer will help promote community cohesion and deter young people from causing trouble on the streets in west Warrington.

Paul Flannery, neighbourhood engagement officer at LiveWire, is leading the project. He said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people turn up for the first session we’ve held in Chapelford.

“This is the second boxing club we’ve launched across the town to help tackle ASB, and we hope to see a reduction in calls out in Chapelford – just like we’ve seen in Westy, where we launched a club back in 2015.”

Police & Crime Commissioner, David Keane, said: “It gives me great pride to be able to fund community focused projects such as the Chapelford Boxing Club which aim to tackle ASB and promote community cohesion.

“Friday was a really positive start and hopefully a sign that the local community will really get behind, get involved and make the most of this project.”

The club will continue to run every Friday night between 7pm-9pm with young people aged seven to 16 years welcome.

The project is supported by Sainsbury’s, who will be providing refreshments each week.