Boxing coach Brian has been keeping kids off the streets for 20 years
THERE’S NO SLOWING COMMUNITY CHAMPION DOWN EVEN AT 75
AFTER dedicating the past 20 years to running a boxing school in Maesgeirchen, Brian Williams – or, as he’s fondly known, Brian Bach – has become a real local hero.
After moving to Maesgeirchen at age six he originally started getting involved in boxing in the former YMCA club in Holyhead in the 1970s before becoming a qualified boxing coach in 1995.
The club aims to get as many kids off the street as possible, despite struggling with challenges over the years, including financial worries and gym closures caused by coronavirus.
Despite this, Brian has done what he can to ensure these opportunities remain available for as many people as possible, from running sessions every night to working a range of other jobs to secure the cash to keep everything running.
The group has spent the past few years working out of a converted garage, which is used to house its ring alongside all its gear.
However the space is small, which puts some restrictions on how many can train at a time.
While Brian and his team have recently gained some access to the larger gym on the site, they could do with it on a more permanent basis, though this would require additional funding.
Brian said: “The team we have here, those who give up their time to come and help, without them we couldn’t do anything. But we need that extra space to be able to work.
“As a boxing club you need a space where everything is in place, ready to go.
“We can only get three training in the ring at the moment, which means doing the extra sessions.
“Most clubs would be doing three days a week, alongside bouts.
“I don’t mind doing that, but it does effect how many places I’m able to offer. I’d give everyone a chance if I could, but right now that’s just not possible.”
Brian’s personal journey into coaching began when his son, David Williams, began boxing at age 11. David was trained by Les Davies, while Brian assisted.
Finding he had a knack for it, he went on a coaching course and picked up his own qualification.
“I started the Maesgeirchan club in 1995. I thought the area needed it.
“I’d seen what boxing could offer people – discipline and respect.”
When asked about what he got out of the job, instead of speaking about himself, he instead spoke fondly of all his current and past students, the successes of those he’d taught, including one former student who’d defeated a young Amir Khan.
Showing me a wall of pictures of bouts his former students, you could could see his pride in each story; the face of a man who has dedicated his life to those he’d taught and never once looked back.
One of Brian’s supporters explained how the group have been struggling to find investors, with the last grant they received coming in 2018 as part of the ‘Your Community, Your Choice’ fund administered by Arfon Jones, the former North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, the Police and Community
Trust and North Wales Police.
Mr Jones said at the time that he’d like to see more businesses get involved with the project, but sadly – partially due to Covid – the club has been unable to secure this additional funding or sponsorship.
Previously in 2016, Brian was awarded the ‘Champion of Champions’ award at the ‘Your Champion’ awards for his work helping hundreds of youngsters get in the ring, and in helping several become Welsh champions.
His classes offer opportunities adults and children aged eight and up.
For those wishing to compete, there are tournaments available throughout, though the options in North Wales are few and far between, meaning long-distance travel is common.
“Getting these kids to tournaments, giving them those chances, nine times out of 10 it’s coming and out of my pocket, but I don’t mind if it’s keeping those kids off the streets.” Brian added.
Nigel Pickavance, councillor of Marchog Ward, said of Brian’s work: “Brian has been responsible for bettering the lives of so many young people.
His dedication to the young people has been so inspirational.
“He not only promotes fitness but also discipline which is a vital life skill for young people.
“Brian’s club is well and truly overdue a new facility with the present Club being not fir for purpose.
“It’s fantastic that a new boxing club will be included in the new hub which is being planned for the estate.”
Even at 75, Brian is fully hands-on with the club and remains a challenge for even the adult students, deftly taking their blows and keeping them on their toes.
But at the same time he is thinking about the future of the club, as he hopes to find a successor to one day take over from him and to keep these opportunities available for those that need them.
Though for now, he remains firmly the coaching legend the people Gwynedd know him to be.