Ongo to provide new home for local boxing club

A boxing club in Scunthorpe is set to move into larger Ongo premises this month, to offer even more opportunities to local people.

Their new home, which is based on Enderby Road, Scunthorpe, will take the place of Ongo’s previous Choose to Reuse second hand furniture store.

Ongo has been working with Riddings Amateur Boxing Club for a number of years and have modified the building and removed walls to fit equipment inside. Going forward they will also support the club to access external grant funding.

The club has been running for over 40 years and over that time has provided sports sessions to hundreds of young people. Previously renting space at a community centre, the club decided they needed a more permanent base, so that they could open up their sessions to more people, extend their funding options and grow their membership.

Pete Smith, a Coach at Riddings Amateur Boxing Club said: “This is a really great move for us and one we’re all really excited about. It’s not too far away, but means we can attract more young people from different areas.

“We’re not a profit making business so for us it really is about giving something back to local people. We just love seeing them enjoy the sport and having something positive to focus on.

“It means we can make the club as big and successful as possible. We’d like to say a massive thank you to Ongo for their help, we can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

Kerry Copson, Community Development Manager at Ongo said: “We are very excited to be working in partnership with the club so closely, to provide a new home and help grow their sessions.

“We offer free mentoring and activities to young people, so it’s great for us to link in with other local groups, so we can work together to improve wellbeing and raise aspirations.

“Boxing is something we’re always asked about from people in the Westcliff area, so we’re pleased it’s now available in a location much closer to them. We can’t wait for it to open.”

The boxing club are expected to move in this month to prepare for their opening in early 2021.

To find out more about Ongo and the support they offer to local communities, go to: www.ongo.co.uk.