Latest news
Boxing clubs meets local fitness needs
Garnock Valley Amateur Boxing Club has opened its newly refurbished site boasting a permanent boxing ring, fully equipped gym and a sauna.
The club started life in 1999, founded by ex-amateur boxer Tam Payne in the garage at the bottom of his garden after he identified a lack of recreational facilities for young people in the area.
With only a temporary boxing ring and minimal basic equipment, Payne taught a range of boxing skills to people of a wide range of ages and abilities.
However, following a £40,000 investment by Payne and grants of £26,147 from sportscotland’s Lottery Fund Sports Facilities Programme and £7,050 from the Cunningham Housing Association, the club has evolved into a fitness centre for the local community.
The club caters for both boxers and those just wanting to keep fit. Young boxers are taught key boxing skills with personalised gym routines to build stamina and improve skill, technique and confidence, while a range of exercise classes including boxercise, health and fitness training and weight training programmes are also available.
“We had nothing in this area for kids or adults, but now, with the new facility offering a range of fitness activities under one roof, we will go from strength to strength,” said Payne.