Member Article

A Christmas gift that packs a punch

The donation of a new kit this Christmas will keep a North Tyneside based sports academy fit for many more boxing days.

Construction specialist Galliford Try Partnerships North has weighed in with the new vests and tracksuits for Howdon Boxing Academy – which offers boxing, martial arts, Thai boxing and fitness training for young people from the age of 10 upwards.

Dave Whitfield, who works as a labourer for the Great Park based firm is also a coach at the academy and is delighted to have his employer in the club’s corner.

Said Dave: “The new kit was much needed and Galliford Try kindly supplying it means that we can free up funds for the upkeep of the gym and travel to competitions and events.

“The academy has had a really positive impact in the local area, getting young people off the streets and engaging them in something new. It is about helping people develop personally as well as physically and we strive to bring out the best in our members.”

Although only founded in 2009, the academy has achieved great things with competitors winning three regional boxing championships and reaching the quarter finals at the national event on another three occasions.

In 2012, two of the team competed for an England select squad against boxers from Sweden and Spain and earlier this year academy member Michael Terrall won a Golden Belt at the Thai Boxing World Championships in Scotland - securing him the chance to compete at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.

Heavyweight construction company Galliford Try is working on a number of projects across the north east including three new schemes in the Kenton area of Newcastle which are expected to start in the New Year.

Foster Innes, Operations Director with the company said: “We are delighted to have linked up with Howdon Boxing Academy and to help them to continue to provide this excellent facility for young people in the area.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .