Mainsforth Amateur Boxing and Fitness Club in Ferryhill has claimed a podium place as one of the top three clubs in the country, writes Volunteer Community Journalist, Rhys Toomey.
“It’s a great achievement,” said said Head Coach, Richard O’Neil.
“We are really happy, and we couldn’t do it without the boxers and coaches, our sponsors and all the support of everyone.”1
The club was conferred the Community Impact Award at this year’s England Annual Boxing Awards ceremony for their outstanding involvement with the community.
“It’s good to give something back to the community,” said Richard. “It gives the children somewhere to come when they’ve finished school and gives people a place to feel a part of something. I think it has changed lots of people’s lives in the area, not just this area but throughout County Durham.”
The gym wasn’t simply founded because of Mr O’Neill’s love of boxing, but was also a way to support his daughter: “My little girl is autistic, non-verbal,” he said. This opportunity “gives children a sense of direction, and I know, a massive way of life.”
The club has partnered with Durham County Council to offer an alternative education at The Woodlands School in support of children who struggle with mainstream schooling.
“We give them another channel,” he said. “We teach them real life scenarios, the risks of social media, and more.”
The council has also enabled the gym to “fund food during the holidays and supply food for the younger children on free meals, which also supports their parents,” he said.
Richard also mentions council member David Whalley, who has helped educate himself and his team on how to navigate computer software.
For a club that has only been open since November 2022, they have been making tremendous strides, not only in the community but also as fierce competitors.
“We’ve had a 69% win ratio this year for the full season,” he said.
“We’ve had a Tyneside Box Cup winner this year and a Tyne Tees and Wear champion.
“By the stats, we’re moving in the right direction, and we’ve got some good young children and teenagers coming through as well.”
The club is open six days a weeks to all ages and genders while also offering one-on-one personal training.
“It’s a very active community centre and gym,” said Richard. “We must get over 80 people a week through the doors from all different ages, so I think it’s a massive impact.”
He also mentioned four other coaches on the team, including co-founder Ashley Anderson, David Dent, and Mario Terminiello, who have helped him along the way.
“It’s really a team effort from everybody because if you are trying to do something positive, then you will get good people on board who want to see you do good.
“I think they see my purpose and what I am trying to do and where I’m trying to go with the club.”
Summarising this year’s accomplishments and the founding of the club, Richard concluded, “It’s not just a boxing gym; we’re like a family. We look after all the boxers in all different ways other than just boxing.”
Story written by a volunteer community journalist for SWDN. If you would like to contribute, including writing articles, attending events on our behalf and/or taking photos, email volunteer[@]swd[.]news to get started or register interest for next workshop here.
Rhys Toomey
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
