Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club Talk (Wednesday 21 November)

Mandy Wickenden, the Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club (GABC) coach and fundraising co-ordinator, was due to give the talk but fell ill on the day.

In her place Head Coach Ben Duff provided an inspiring talk concerning the GABC and the excellent work they are doing with both adults and children.  The Rotary Club of Guernsey very much wish them success with their Fundraising Campaign to improve the building and facilities.

The following is provided by the Club:

Established in Guernsey since 1935 the Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club has provided a safe environment for athletes to learn and progress in the sport of boxing.

Boxing traditionally has been a poor man’s sport and most of the participants are children who come from low income families. Over the years through our dedicated team of coaches we have helped children from different back grounds grow in confidence, overcome behaviour/social problems and bereavement. Boxing isn't just a sport it's a life style which has been proven to guide kids in the right direction and enhance their discipline, confidence, athleticism and concentration. All the qualities needed to be successful in school/life and be positive citizens within the community.

In recent years the standard and number of boxers has increased significantly, we currently have 35 boxers competing with another 80 training for fitness and fun. We are open 7 days a week and have 3 training sessions dedicated to juniors from the age of 8 upwards. One of our senior boxers, Billy Le Poullain, reached the semi-finals of the elite national championships and qualified for the Commonwealth Games in Australia. This is the furthest anyone from Guernsey has reached in the national championships and the first time a local boxer has qualified for the Commonwealth Games.

We have dedicated coaches and committee members but unfortunately our facilities are very run down and urgently need upgrading. Recently, we have received planning permission to repair, upgrade and extend the building upwards to create another level. The estimated costs to improve the building is £400,000. By creating this extra level it will allow us to make better use of the space we have, which will help with the development of all our boxers.

We cannot see the club being able to continue more than a few years without repairing/upgrading the premises. This would be a huge lose to the community and to the Island. This is the only Amateur boxing club on the Island.