Help is needed at gym building new champions in Hull
£500,000 REFURB UNDER WAY AT BOXING CLUB
A £500,000 refurbishment of Hull’s oldest and biggest boxing club has got under way, but help is still needed.
St Paul’s Boxing Academy, in the city’s Old Town, has helped to develop a host of stars including Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell and former professionals Tommy Coyle and Samir Mouneimne.
However, it has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent times with a leaking roof, crumbling ceiling and slippy floor, all of which need fixing in order to develop “champions in life, not just in the ring”.
That is the aim of head coach Mike Bromby, who was part of the team that taught Campbell everything he knows, as well as thousands of other young people to have walked through their doors.
The North Church Side charity is in desperate need of refurbishment, and while around £300,000 has already been raised through donations from companies and members of the public, as well as grants, they still need to raise a further £200,000.
Despite its knack of producing world class boxers, the main aim of St Paul’s has always been to support the community in Hull.
“At St Paul’s, our aim is to produce champions in life, not just in the ring,” he said.
“Only around 10 per cent of our members are licensed boxers. Everyone else trains for a variety of different reasons such as health, fitness, weight management or building mental resilience.
“What St Paul’s has the ability to do is draw from the most disadvantaged areas of Hull and give young people direction, hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging and family.
“Over the years, the gym has helped countless young people who have gone on from a challenging and disruptive start to lead successful, meaningful lives.
“This is a source of immense pride for everyone at St Paul’s, and equals that of training world champions.”
Earlier this month, Hull construction firm Houlton started work on replacing the roof and installing a disabled lift as part of a wider contract with Hull City Council that also includes reroofing the nearby Hepworth Arcade.
Part of the money raised will also go towards replacing the faulty heating and lighting in the building, as well as replacing the windows, upgrading the security system and a new kitchen.
Andrew Horncastle MBE, a trustee of St Paul’s and the current high sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire, said a lot of businesses and individuals have generously supported the club in raising funds, but there was still a lot more to do.
He said: “We’ve had a lot of support from local businesses, organisations and individuals, and big thanks must go to Hull City Council for agreeing to reroof the gym for us.
“It is extremely generous.
“Since I have been involved with the club, I have realised what a tremendous job everyone there does in teaching young people, no matter what their background, the life skills they need to succeed. It is an inspirational place and one we need to support and maintain for decades ahead.
“That is why it is essential we raise the funds needed to complete the refurbishment work, and we’re appealing to individuals, businesses and trusts across the region to back St Paul’s and the essential work it does.”
Councillor
Daren
Hale,
Hull
City Council’s portfolio holder for economic investment, regeneration, planning, land and property, said: “St Paul’s Boxing Club has made a huge difference to the lives of so many of the city’s young people.
“Of course, we know about the sporting glory that Luke Campbell and others went on to achieve, but even more important is the positive influence the club and its coaches and volunteers gave made on the lives of countless youngsters who may otherwise have chosen the wrong path.
“Hull City Council is very proud to have helped to secure the future of such a fantastic institution.”
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