Boxing club heading to new base in Shifnal
A boxing club in is preparing to move into its new base in Shifnal as its chairman hails the impact it has made to help change people's lives.
Bright Star Boxing Academy is moving to a new premises in Shifnal, with the official opening taking place on Saturday, November 3.
The club, which has around 100 members, has been operating out of the David Corfield Gymnasium in Cosford.
Club chairman Joe Lockley said that the new premises at Unit Six, Smithfield Road, Shifnal, will allow the club to continue the work, which has seen it send 14 boxers to compete in regional and national competitions.
Earlier this month one of the club's boxers, Kat Stanworth, travelled to Ireland where she fought the Irish champion, only losing out on a split decision.
The club has been running for three years and Mr Lockley said: "We have just under 100 members and it is brilliant, but that is why we have had to take on our own facilities.
"It is really exciting because it means we can expand and hold specific sessions."
Growth
The move means the club will be putting on around 14 sessions a week.
The chairman said that the club is also helping people who are considered at risk of offending, victims of sexual violence, looked after children and pastoral care teams in schools.
He said: "We have been going for three years. It has gone really fast but we are already producing a pool of boxers ready to compete on a national level and that is great, but the main reason we are expanding is we are really pushing the community side.
"We are holding sessions for people at risk of offending, children in care, women that have been abused, and with a lot of pastoral care teams in schools.
"We are working really closely with the police which is brilliant. We have some people who have completely changed their behaviours and their attitude through boxing.
"When they get rid of the pent up aggression, hitting bags or pads, you can really talk to them about behaviours, goal setting and making a difference. We are really seeing a change for some of those who attend."
He added: "We work with a lot of different groups, people who have mental health issues, a few people who have had depression. They have been able to use boxing as a way to stabilise their lives.
“The club welcomes everyone and we will support whoever walks through the doors”
