Rayleigh Community Boxing Club is proud to celebrate its one-year anniversary at Castle Hall, marking a successful first year of fostering fitness, discipline and personal growth within the local community. In recognition of its outstanding contributions, the club was recently honoured as the Community Club of the Year 2024 at the Rochford Sports Awards.
Since opening its doors almost a year ago, the club has quickly become a cornerstone for people of all ages and backgrounds, offering a welcoming environment to learn the art of boxing, improve overall fitness, and boost mental well-being. Under the guidance of experienced coach Tony Rowe, the club has significantly impacted both young people and adults, providing a safe space to learn boxing, enhance fitness and improve mental well-being.
In addition to its regular classes, the club offers personalised 1-on-1 training sessions, catering to a wide range of needs - including specialised programs for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. These sessions focus on enhancing balance, body rotation and hand-eye coordination, helping participants build strength and string together punch combinations.
Leader of Rochford District Council, Councillor James Newport, said: “It’s great to see Castle Hall buzzing with activity. The Rayleigh Community Boxing Club has been a great addition to the hall and offers something for everyone, from aspiring competitive boxers to those simply looking for a fun way to stay active. Beyond fitness, the club plays a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, offering a safe and positive space where people can come together, build confidence and develop new skills."
Councillor Lisa Newport, Chair of the Communities, Wellbeing & Housing Committee said, "Rayleigh Community Boxing Club has made a remarkable difference in such a short time. It is doing tremendous work in bringing people together and promoting both physical and mental health. It's more than just a place to exercise; it’s a vibrant community hub where people of all ages can connect, support one another and work towards their personal goals. The club’s inclusive approach, exemplifies its commitment to making fitness accessible for everyone. I’m excited to see how the club continues to inspire and uplift our community in the years ahead."
Tony Rowe from Rayleigh Community Boxing Club added: "The support from the community has been incredible, with donations of equipment and volunteers giving their time. We currently have 47 registered boxers with England Boxing, and we're building a strong team to compete nationwide. The response has been fantastic, but there’s always room for more members!"
For more information about the club, classes and what it has to offer, please visit: https://www.rochforddistrictvenues.co.uk/castle-hall.