A boxing club in Norwich has transformed a dilapidated building on the grounds of The Open Academy into a thriving hub for young people, offering not only boxing training but camaraderie, discipline, and support. The club, which has served the city for more than 20 years, has moved from The Kickstop in Whiffler Road after outgrowing the space and had its official opening earlier this month. The new space, made possible by the support of sponsors, volunteers, and local businesses, provides a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn and grow. Some of the features of the new space include:
| Multiple training zones | Outdoor areas for fitness | A community room upstairs for socialising and workshops |
The building, previously unused for 14 years and left in disrepair, was rewired, re-roofed, replumbed, and redecorated by a team of committed volunteers and generous sponsors. After nearly six months of renovations, the club secretary, Katie Potts, described the new space as “a real labour of love.”
“Boxing can change lives. It builds confidence, improves fitness, and creates a sense of belonging,”
she said. The club aims to use boxing as a tool to support young people’s mental health, and has already seen a surge in interest, with up to 40 children attending sessions each evening. Katie said: “Mental health in young people is such a serious issue, and as a mum I know first-hand how hard it is for young people growing up with that pressure.”
The club has links with Papyrus, a charity which aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives.
- Affiliated with England Boxing
- All coaches are DBS-checked, first-aid trained, and undergo safeguarding training
- Working with a Bristol-based charity, Empire Fighting Chance, to implement a 20-week sports psychology programme called “Box Champions,”
The club is also working with local schools to discuss sending students to the club as part of their pupil premium provision, and hopes to expand daytime sessions for alternative provision, including home-educated children and pupils at risk of exclusion. The new space includes multiple training zones, outdoor areas for fitness, and a community room upstairs designed for socialising and workshops. Katie added: “We’re not just about sparring in the ring. Boxing is 90pc mental. It’s about discipline, resilience, and self-control. And it’s not just for boys, we’ve got loads of girls involved too, and we’ve made sure our facilities are welcoming and accessible for everyone.”
The club offers evening sessions for £5, or £40 per month for unlimited access, making it an affordable option for families. Creating a Community
A recent survey conducted by Norwich City ABC of 47 members aged between eight and 22 found that:
- 95pc reported an increase in confidence since joining
- 75pc said they found it easier to make friends
- 87pc felt more able to overcome challenges
- 82pc were more likely to say no to peer pressure
- 81pc were less likely to be part of gang
The survey also highlighted the importance of the club’s community aspect, with many members reporting a sense of belonging and connection with others. Supporting Mental Health
Katie said: “We lost one of our boxers to suicide during Covid and my own brother-in-law also took his own life. Mental health in young people is such a serious issue, and as a mum I know first-hand how hard it is for young people growing up with that pressure.”
The club is working with a charity, Empire Fighting Chance, to implement a 20-week sports psychology programme called “Box Champions,” designed to build mental resilience and promote wellbeing. Expanding Opportunities
The club is working towards expanding daytime sessions for alternative provision, including home-educated children and pupils at risk of exclusion, and has been in touch with local schools to discuss sending students to the club as part of their pupil premium provision. Katie added: “We’re not just about boxing. We’re about creating a community that supports and empowers young people to reach their full potential.”
The Future of Norwich City ABC
As the club looks to the future, it is clear that Norwich City ABC is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in the city. With its focus on mental health, community, and empowerment, the club is well-positioned to make a lasting difference in the lives of its members. The club’s dedication to providing a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn and grow is evident in every aspect of its operations. Whether it’s through its boxing sessions, community programs, or simply being a listening ear, Norwich City ABC is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the city. The club’s future looks bright, and with its commitment to making a positive impact, it is clear that Norwich City ABC will continue to thrive and make a difference in the lives of young people for years to come.
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