ASPIRING junior boxers have been given a new home to train and show off their skills after starting the year in limbo.
Benny's Amateur Boxing Club, a sporting charity for youngsters aged nine to 18, was told in February it would have to find a new venue to hold events – after its former showcase premises went into receivership.
It had held matches at Clifton Miners' Welfare Social Club in Ainsworth Drive, The Meadows, for several years. However, it closed its doors earlier this year.
Benny's has now found a new place to hold matches, as well as a new home for its 40 members to train in.
Events will be held at the Mellish Sports Centre, in Kemmel Road, with the first event planned for February.
They have also been given a dedicated place to practice, moving into the Highbury Vale Community Centre, Brooklyn Road.
It features a boxing ring, punch bags and other typical equipment.
They had originally trained at Bulwell's Old Town Hall.
Kevin Sheehan, who runs the club, said the community centre will offer extra space to be able to train between 35-40 youngsters at a time.
Mr Sheehan, a former professional boxer, said: "We've got more kids coming here than ever before.
"We just wanted a place of our own.
"We know it's a deprived estate and we were asked if we want to come in. We're going to try and get people in as soon as we can."
The move has been made possible through a partnership with Community Based Fitness Gymnasiums, a charity that manages the community centre and the sports centre.
Tarquin Weaver, manager of the two facilities, said there were plans to extend Mellish in the future to provide it as both a venue and training area.
He said: "I love what Kevin is doing and what he stands for.
"It's all in his own time, everything he does to keep it running and so many young people have got somewhere through the training they do."
Usman Rana, 17, of Broad Walk in Old Basford, trains with Benny's.
He said: "It's nice to have our own gym. It gives us more room and we get a bit more freedom to do what we want.
"The new venue is really great too.
"To be honest, the main reason I still train is because of Kevin he keeps me motivated – he's strict with it but he's great for us all."
The Post was unable to contact the current owners of the Clifton Miners' Welfare Social Club.
