Community boxing clubs across the UK will be selected to host a number of Big British boxing names as part of ‘Backing Up Boxing’, a new campaign from England Boxing and London 2012 legacy charity, Join In.
The ‘Backing Up Boxing’ initiative will work with amateur boxing clubs across the UK, to build volunteering and participation in boxing.
Launching on the 16 March, Join In together with England Boxing, will be promoting a number of community boxing clubs and groups – shining a light on volunteers and the huge impact they have in the sport.
Throughout the campaign, community clubs with a Join In club page will benefit from a huge audience of volunteers, who will be driven towards boxing. Local boxing clubs will also be selected to receive a visit from a number of high-profile athletes.
Join In’s network of on-the-ground volunteers will be on hand to work with clubs regionally and help connect and support clubs and volunteers.
Any boxer will tell you that volunteers are at the heart of boxing. ‘Backing Up Boxing’ will celebrate the existing volunteer heroes within the sport and highlight the important and diverse roles that volunteers play.
As Join In’s research reveals, each volunteer can facilitate upto 8.5 additional participants, by connecting boxing clubs with volunteers, ‘Backing Up Boxing’ will create capacity for more people to lead happier and healthier lives through sport.
Mark Abberley, CEO of England Boxing said, “Boxing’s volunteers are the lifeblood of the sport. One thing that our most successful boxing clubs have in common is a dedicated volunteer workforce.
“Our partnership with Join In will not only help support and sustain clubs, but will offer volunteers an opportunity to use their skills in a really rewarding way and become part of a fantastic sporting community.”
CEO of Join In, Rebecca Birkbeck added, “We are excited to be working with England Boxing. Volunteers are vital in maintaining and growing community boxing. Together we want to highlight the range of volunteer roles available and drive more volunteers into the sport.”
Carl Froch: “All amateur boxing coaches are volunteers. So without volunteers, I wouldn’t be where I am today. A big thank you from the heart.”
Carl Frampton: “I just want to thank all the volunteers who’ve helped people like me get from the bottom to the very top. Thank you.”
Nicola Adams: “It’s volunteer coaches that prepare your base and teach you all the key skills to get you to elite level.”
Your community boxing club can be a part of the campaign by updating your Join In club page at joininuk.org before 15 March.
Do you run a boxing club? What are the issues you face and how could the amateur sport be improved? How do you feel about ‘Backing Up Boxing’ ? Please leave your comments below.
