A Newcastle children’s boxing club aims to deliver a knock-out blow to anti-social behaviour – thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Queensberry Police Amateur Boxing Club, based in Newcastle Road, opens its doors several times a week to encourage youngsters of all ages to keep fit and disciplined.
Run by Matt Crowe and senior coach/secretary Mark Griffiths, Queensberry seeks to promote physical and mental well-being, reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour and keep children engaged.
The club received £2680 from the PCC’s People Power Fund, which it is now using towards earning its England Boxing verification.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis enjoyed his visit.
‘Queensberry is a fantastic facility for boys and girls of all ages,’ he said.
‘It’s run by dedicated, skilled and hard-working volunteers, who bring a professional touch and passion to their work.
‘You can tell the children clearly enjoy what they do and it keeps them fit.
‘Importantly it encourages kids to stay active and minimises any chance of anti-social behaviour.’
The People Power Fund, which makes available £300,000 in the form of grants between £100 and £3,000, is part of £2.5 million total community funding from the PCC for 2017/18.
The Proceeds of Crime Fund is seeing 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police going back into local communities, through grants of between £3000 and £15,000. It is made up of money seized from criminals.
Matt Crowe, Queensberry chairman, said: ‘We are extremely grateful for the kind donation from the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner.
‘Their help has allowed us to give opportunities to children throughout the area and allows us to seek official certification from England Boxing.
‘Boxing is a great way to keep fit for boys and girls of all ages. It encourages mental and physical well-being, is great for discipline and, importantly, it engages children and keeps them active and enthusiastic.’
