A Kirkby boxing club is going from strength to strength thanks to an innovative building transfer agreement with Knowsley Council.
Tower Hill Amateur Boxing Club, founded in 1972 to provide sporting and diversionary activities for local young people, will take over the running of the former Tower Hill Community Centre on Heathfield Drive following an asset transfer agreement with Knowsley Council.
Tower Hill ABC is the latest group to benefit from the council’s Community Asset Transfer Scheme which is aimed at encouraging community groups and organisations to take ownership of local facilities and run them for the benefit of local residents.
Founders of the club, led by Joe Flynn, recognised that the lack of sporting and diversionary activities locally was contributing to young people, in particular males, making poor choices and turning to crime and anti-social behaviour. The club was developed to direct young people off the streets and into a dedicated, structured, and disciplined lifestyle that equips them to make better life choices.
While boxing remains the core activity of Tower Hill ABC, the club is home to a number of community groups and activities. It also aims to:
- support people to be active and healthy and have access to the support they need.
- support young people with activities, training, and accreditation.
- support those on the cusp of crime and ex-offenders to gain and retain employment and training.
- reduce social isolation and increase people’s confidence.
- support more people to volunteer through the centre’s activities.
Future plans include the creation of mindfulness hub to support the mental health of children and adults, as well as a morning club for older residents offering physical activity and opportunities to socialise.
The club is also a provider for the HAF(Holiday Activities and Food) initiative in Knowsley, working in partnership with other community organisations to offer educational activity programmes and free meals during the school holidays
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “We are delighted to support the transfer of this formerly council-owned building to Tower Hill ABC, an organisation doing fabulous work to develop the talent of young people as well as providing a vital community hub offering a variety of important facilities and support for local people.”
Carl Melia from Tower Hill Boxing Club added: “This is an exciting time for Tower Hill ABC. The transfer of the building to the club will enable us to grow and achieve more for the community.
“The young people attending the training and coaching sessions at the club have the potential to achieve great things, the discipline and respect that is embedded in the young people’s psyche will benefit them and the community throughout their lives.”