New boxing gym in Attleborough

Keiron hopes the new facilities will help him to become the new Joe Calzaghe

Boxers in Attleborough have a new place to hone their skills thanks to help from a Lottery grant.

Until recently, members of the Attleborough Amateur Boxing Club had to train in a local school.

They now have a new home in a former kitchen and bathroom showroom that has been transformed into a boxing gym.

"It's a very nice facility, we're establishing our own identity here," said Peter Neal, a member of the committee which runs the club.

"The club's got several qualified coaches, child protection officers, an admin team and sixty-plus full-paid up members," he added.

"On a Tuesday evening we have ladies nights and we've had 10, 11 or 12 ladies through this week and that's all come through word of mouth," he added.

Young hopeful Keiron Lancaster is one of the members enjoying the new facilities. Despite being just 10-years-old, he has been a member of the club since 2006.

"I watched a lot of boxing on TV and thought I'd try it," said Keiron.

The new gym gives Keiron the chance to continue training and maybe one day emulate his favourite boxer, Joe Calzaghe.

"I train Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it isn't. It gets the anger out of you and gives you a bit of space," he said.

Permanent home

The club's new premises - which are leased from a local farmer - were kitted out thanks to a £5,000 Lottery grant.

Now that they have a permanent home, the club is planning for the future.

"Getting kids from walking in - sometimes a little overweight, being bullied, being a bully - they find this is a neutral ground. They come into boxing and find it rewarding," said Jon Dennis, head coach.

"They have an identity now. Any bout they have will be won in the gym and they can go to any bout ready to deal with a situation in front of them," he added.

Now they have a home, the club hope to develop the boxers and eventually give them experience of boxing in different venues against differing boxing style to make them competition ready.