Club of the week Shire Boxing Club
We caught up with Debbie Rae from the club to find out more about its foundation and some of its success stories. Tell us a bit about the history and background of the club. Shire Boxing Club was formed four years ago in a tin shed across from Tesco in Wishaw by Jack Parvin and John Keatings.
As the club expanded in members it had to move to bigger premises. Now the club is located within Wishawymca. How many members does your club have? There are kids, older children and female boxing classes at Shire.
There are over a dozen kids under 10 in the kids class.
The older class is made up of some club boxers along with 30 others.
Some box for the club competitively while others come for just general fitness.
The classes are made up of male and female boxers.
The club also has four male and one female coach as well as a committee team for fundraising events. Tell us about the leagues you compete in. The club boxers who compete participate in several Boxing Scotland Championships and Western District club shows.
It can be a busy season for the boxers so fitness and health are really important. Is there a social aspect to the club as well as a sporting side? The club is like a big family. It’s a welcoming gym where all the boxers and coaches look out for each other.
Socially the club members and coaches are all a great support to each other. What principles do the club represent and promote? The gym promotes valuable qualities like respect and discipline.
The boxers are all encouraged to work hard and respect each other’s ability.
The boxers all know that if there are any personal problems the coaches are there to speak to.
Everyone values each other’s thoughts and feelings within the gym.
The team that box at competitive level regularly travel to other clubs to train with other boxers along with welcoming other clubs to our gym.
Sparring days are also held where friends and family can attend to watch the boxers demonstrate their skills. Are there any particular difficulties the club faces? At the moment, the building in which the club is located is very old and as the club is continuously growing the hall is getting a bit small.
The club is a non-profit organisation and has to fundraise to pay rent and to provide equipment. Bigger premises are needed to allow the gym to further expand and to ensure the quality of training is maintained. How can people get involved with the club? Anyone from old to young can join the club. Everyone is welcome.
Kids’classes are from 5pm to 5.45pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Older classes are from 6pm to 8pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Women’s classes are from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday.