BOXING finally has a home in Cirencester thanks to hard work and some community spirit.

The Cirencester Amateur Boxing Club was set up last November by Simon Knowles and brothers Tommy and Billy Varey to give young people something to do in the evenings.

Five months down the line and the club is thriving; welcoming new members through the door each week and inspiring the next generation of boxers in the area.

“We started with about five kids and now we get about thirty in each night, boys and girls,” said Billy.

Billy and the team are not only passionate about the sport itself, but what it can do for youngsters.

“Our aim is to get kids off the street and to give them some focus,” said Billy.

“The police get a lot of kids breaking windows and doing things they shouldn’t; I say get them boxing instead.

“I’ve boxed for years and was brought up with the sport; it teaches young kids discipline.

“When we get kids down to train with us they give it all they’ve got.

“They come down, work hard and win medals which gives them something to take pride in.”

Simon echoed the sentiment, saying: “The club is about giving kids some meaning in life.

“I like working with the ones with a bit of attitude and turning them into gentleman; I’ve seen it happen time and time again.

“We don’t get paid and we don’t make money, this is a voluntary sport.

“There’s not too many people out there doing things for nothing but we do it because we know what a club like this can mean to local people.”

Getting the club going wasn’t easy for the team and it took them over two years of searching before they found a venue willing to host their training sessions.

“The council wouldn’t give us anything to get started so my brother and I opened it on a shoestring,” said Billy.

“We’ve had no funding or help and we even made the ring ourselves.

“The club’s a non-profit organisation, so whatever we get out goes straight back in.

“Cirencester needs a boxing club so any funding from local business would be more than welcome.”

The team finally found a home for the club at The Nelson Inn in Cirencester and if it wasn’t for landlord Bill Broad opening his doors to the Varey brothers, the club would have remained homeless.

“The boys approached me and I couldn’t see any reason not to say yes,” said Bill.

“I had a hall not getting used so gave them the space to utilise.

“It keeps the kids out of mischief and who knows what might come of it.”

The appreciation for Broad’s goodwill is clear at the club as is the strong sense of community spirit.

“Without Bill we’d have nowhere to train in Cirencester,” Billy said.

“We owe him a great deal for giving us the chance to get going.

“The club is all about the community and we want to develop our links the local establishments.

“If we can work with any local schools we’d be happy to do anything.”

It may have taken time to find its home but the future certainly looks bright for the flourishing club.

With new members joining each week the group continues to grow much to the delight of young boxers and parents alike.

Aidan Burrows, seven, has only been training with the club for two months but is already hooked on boxing.

“I really like learning to box,” said Aidan.

“The coaches are really kind and there are a lot of nice people to be friends with.”

Aidan’s father Paul said: “He’s absolutely loving it.”

“The lads involved with the club are great.

“All the older and more experienced boxers help with the little ones.

“The younger ones aren’t allowed in the ring to spar if they’re not ready; they won’t let anyone get hurt.”

The club doesn’t only cater for beginners however and Billy is hopeful about some of the prospects training with them.

“There’s loads of potential here now,” said Billy.

“Some lads are going to make champions.

“Young Johnny Varey is boxing like a pro and he’s only just turned 13.

“We’ve entered a number of boys in the National Schoolboy’s Championships and we’re looking forward to seeing how they’ll do.”

The club are always looking for new members of all backgrounds and abilities and run an open-door policy to training sessions.

“The door’s open to anybody; boys or girls,” said Simon.

“We take on problem kids or those with learning difficulties, it doesn’t matter.

“It’s a great thing for all involved and its brilliant for the local community.”

With a welcoming atmosphere and passionate coaching team, the only way is up for the flourishing club.

If you’d like to get involved with the club or just want to get in better shape, training sessions run from 7pm to 8.30pm Monday to Thursday for senior or experienced boxers and 6pm to 7pm on Monday and Thursday for younger boxers, aged seven and up.

Call Billy on 07453 545684 for details.