New sports Hub packs a real punch

AN exciting new development is providing a knockout sporting boost in part of Durham.

Brandon Sports Club has for more than 30 years been a focus for a number of sports, chiefly cricket but also football. hockey, athletics and rugby league.

The gounds and clubhouse were first developed in 1985 by Brandon Cricket Club and Durham City Hockey Club and have undergone continuous improvement with the help of countless volunteers and the support of local councils and many businesses.

The standard of facilities is such Durham County Cricket Club uses the club as an annual venue for second XI matches.

Brandon SC is now welcoming the recently-formed Brandon Boxing Club on to its site to be part of the new Brandon Sporting Hub.

The hub has been set up with the help of a maximum Sport England Inspired Facilities grant, support from local councillors Paul Taylor and John Turnbull and help from local businesses including JJD Planthire.

Brandon SC has developed a new practice area for Brandon CC players and is now starting to build a new boxing club gym to cope with the rapid expansion and increasing popularity of Brandon BC.

Set up in Janaury 2013, it has 20 medical carded boxers (eligible to compete in England Boxing tournaments) who range in age from 10 to their mid-30s, both male and female.

Alex Oliver of Brandon BC said: “This new hub can only benefit boxing and cricket as well as the whole communty in Brandon.”