Taekwondo club in member plea to avoid closure
SHEPSHED Taekwondo club has issued an appeal for new members in a bid to save the club from closure.
The club was started by instructor Patrick Shawcroft in 2001 and is currently based at the Iveshead Youth Centre.
Shawcroft who is a Black Belt 4th Dan said the club works hard to ensure students train to a high standard with 14 students achieving Black Belt grade in recent years.
It has also had considerable success in competitions, with students competing in patterns, sparring, and destruction.
He said: “Training in Taekwondo brings many benefits such as improved fitness, self-confidence and self defence. Our youngest Black Belt, Cody Nicholls, joined us when he was five-years-old and became a black belt when he had just turned 10.
“At Shepshed Taekwondo we do try to ensure the class atmosphere is lively, so that students of all ages enjoy themselves. It is not uncommon for parents to train alongside their children and we pride ourselves on being a family friendly club.
“In addition to taekwondo we also teach a wide range of self-defence techniques, running seminars for the EMTA and for all age levels of local scout and guide groups.”
But now attendances have fallen to their lowest level snce the club started with some sessions attracting as few as three people and an average of seven when to be viable figures need to be double that number.
Pat said: “Lately the attendance has dropped to its lowest since the club started in 2001 and we have had
to reduce training times from tw0 hours to one and a half hours to cut costs.
“Unfortunately this is still not enough and we are looking for an influx of beginners to boost the membership and avoid closure. We welcome all age groups. Why not come and give us a try? You have nothing to lose and the first night is free.”
• If you are interested in attending, visit the club website at shepshedtaekwondo.com or ring Pat Shawcroft on 07986 890559.