Saturday 5 April was a special day for everyone involved with Spennymoor Boxing Academy, reports Head Coach Robert Ellis. We hosted our long-awaited home show – and what a show it turned out to be!
The energy in the room, the support from the crowd, and the quality of the boxing on display truly made it a night to remember.
I want to start by saying a huge thank you to all our sponsors. Without your continued support, events like this simply wouldn’t be possible. Your generosity helps us to provide opportunities for local young people, support our boxers through training and competitions, and continue to grow the club from strength to strength.
A special thank you goes to Andrew Ward for his long-standing support and sponsorship of the academy. Andrew’s commitment over the years has been a huge help and a constant source of encouragement. His belief in what we do has made a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything he’s done for us.
A huge thank you also goes out to Spennymoor Town Council for their ongoing backing of our academy. Your belief in what we’re doing – not just as a boxing club, but as a vital part of the community – means so much to us all.
And to our coaching team – I honestly couldn’t ask for a better group of people around me. Every single coach gives up their time voluntarily, balancing work, family and other commitments to help guide and support our boxers. Your dedication is what makes this club what it is.
The boxing itself was top-class. We had a great mix of talent on display, with several very close contests that could have gone either way.
Our Spennymoor boxers dug deep, showed real heart, and came away with some excellent wins. But more importantly, they showed discipline, respect, and sportsmanship throughout – values that we pride ourselves on at the academy.
Fight of the Night was awarded to our own Lucas Sewell, who was involved in an absolute thriller. The bout was back and forth from the first bell, with both boxers giving it their all. It had the whole crowd on their feet, and Lucas did Spennymoor proud in every way.
I also want to give a very special mention to Clara McWinnie, a student from Coach Stephanie Ellis’s school, who closed the show with a moment that touched everyone in the room. Clara, who lives with additional needs and health challenges, got into the ring to showcase her skills on the pads. Her determination, courage, and love for the sport are truly inspirational.
The smile on her face was infectious, and there wasn’t a person in the room who wasn’t moved by her presence. Clara reminded us of what boxing – and our club – is about: inclusion, empowerment and community.
It was a fantastic evening that brought people from all over into the town, filled the venue with positivity, and highlighted just how much talent we have here at Spennymoor Boxing Academy.
We’re proud of every boxer who stepped into the ring, and we’re already looking forward to what’s next.
Thank you once again to everyone who came along, supported, donated, and cheered. These are the nights that build memories and change lives.
Robert Ellis
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
