Success at mayor's awards for Telford Amateur Boxing Club

A boxing club at the heart of its community in Telford has been recognised with an award from a town mayor.

Telford Amateur Boxing Club has been running for 50 years and engaging girls and boys across the generations in the sport which encourages self-discipline and confidence.

Volunteer Simon Higgins is head coach of the club, which meets in Madeley and can see many adults and children putting on the gloves and head guards in competitions.

Simon's team includes boxing coach and tattoo model Linzi Jarratt among a group of four people who now give up their time to volunteer to teach the necessary skills.

"The club gives back to the kids," said Mr Higgins, who has been a coach for 10 years.

"For girls and boys the years from 11 to 18 are key times," said Mr Higgins as he picked up a certificate from the mayor of Madeley Helena Morgan at Jubilee House on Monday (April 20).

"They are going through a difficult time. It is all about keeping them in a safe space."

Mr Higgins believes the club has helped keep some young people off the streets where they could get into trouble. He said boxing provides camaraderie and discipline.

Mr Higgins said the club has seen 28 champions crowned at various levels of competition over the last four years.

The club has been supported by councillors' Pride Fund contributions as well as help from Madeley Town Council.

Mr Higgins said: "The last five years have been about moving it forward. It used to be more boxing fitness where people would move on if they wanted to box.

"Now it is a proper boxing club."

The club has held 16 shows at The Anstice in the last four years and Mr Higgins says it is "run like a business" with profits being reinvested in helping boxers.

Mr Higgins, speaking after picking up his award, said he boxed for the club in 2003.

"But I found boxing too late so became a coach," he said.

"Being a coach is so rewarding, and I know without the boxing club a few people would be in jail.

"It has changed my life too.

"It is a respect thing, you can be great friends with someone even after they punch you in the face!"

Telford ABC's next home show at The Anstice in Madeley will be held on Sunday, May 17.

Door will open to the public at 1pm with boxing starting at 1.30pm. Tickets available from The Anstice are £20, with under-16s £10 and under-fives free.