Armagh Amateur Boxing Club Female Programme

Who are we?

Armagh Amateur Boxing Club is a community-focused boxing club dedicated to empowering young individuals by providing a supportive environment where children aged 7 to 18 can develop essential skills, discipline, and self-confidence through the sport of boxing.

Our club was set up to advance Amateur boxing within the Armagh City Area. The main benefit of the club is to educate children and young adults in the skills required for boxing, this in turn will improve their physical/Mental health and wellbeing. 

The direct benefits for our members are an increase in health and fitness as well as social inclusion which will result in improved community life through sport. This direct benefit can be seen in the growing numbers joining the Club, as well as the number of competition boxers we have that are being entered into competitions. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

Armagh Amateur Boxing Club is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise £3,000 for equipment to support a new girls' boxing programme in February and March. This new 8 week initiative aims to create a supportive and empowering environment for up to 15 new girls aged 7 to 18 who have never boxed before, helping them develop essential skills, discipline, and self-confidence through the sport of boxing. By offering this programme, we hope to inspire more young girls to take up boxing, promoting physical and mental well-being and fostering social inclusion within our community.

The funds raised will directly support the delivery of our new programme, and the purchase of essential equipment will kickstart this new programme. Our goal is to make boxing accessible and appealing to girls in the Armagh City area, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive in the sport. By investing in their development, we aim to level the playing field and encourage participation from those who might not have previously considered boxing.

The equipment will not only enhance the training experience but also accommodate the growing interest in boxing within the community long after our 8-week project, as the equipment will be the legacy of the project and girls boxing in Armagh.

Our new programme offers numerous benefits such as:

• Health and Fitness: Participants will improve their physical health, endurance, and overall fitness.

• Mental Well-being: Boxing is a powerful outlet for stress, boosting confidence and resilience.

• Social Inclusion: By creating a welcoming space, we foster connections and a sense of belonging among participants.

• Skill Development: Young boxers will learn discipline, teamwork, and determination, skills that extend beyond the ring.

• Community Growth: With more girls participating, we strengthen the community by offering a positive, inclusive activity.

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How we’ll spend the money raised

All money raised, will be used to purchase the following equipment. If we raise £1,500 ourselves, Sport NI will add £1,500!

Adidas Hybrid Headguards x 16= £640 

Kids Headguard x 16= £500

IBA Competition Headguard x 4 = £320

Bag Gloves x 20= £830

Leather Skipping Ropes x 12= £190

Speed Ropes x 21= £215 

Pro Box Air Focused Pads x 4= £305

Community Impact

At Armagh Amateur Boxing Club, we believe in the transformative power of sport. This new girls' programme aligns with our mission to educate and empower young people, helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. With your support, we can overcome barriers to participation, provide high-quality training opportunities, and inspire the next generation of female boxers.

The programme offers numerous benefits: 

Health and Fitness: Participants will improve their physical health, endurance, and overall fitness. 

Mental Well-being: Boxing is a powerful outlet for stress, boosting confidence and resilience. 

Social Inclusion: By creating a welcoming space, we foster connections and a sense of belonging among participants. 

Skill Development: Young boxers will learn discipline, teamwork, and determination, skills that extend beyond the ring. 

Community Growth: With more girls participating, we strengthen the community by offering a positive, inclusive activity.

Alignment with ‘Levelling the Playing Field’

Targeting Underrepresented Groups:

The new programme directly targets girls aged 7 to 18, addressing the underrepresentation of women and girls in boxing and sport more broadly.

This initiative will help break down barriers that prevent girls from engaging in physical activity, fostering greater gender equality within the sport.

Inclusivity and Accessibility:

By making boxing accessible to a wider audience, we aim to eliminate traditional barriers such as a lack of female-focused opportunities, the perception of boxing as a male-dominated sport, and limited access to safe, inclusive training environments.

The equipment purchased will ensure girls can safely and confidently participate in boxing, particularly for those who are new to the sport.

Contribution to Programme Objectives

Connecting Communities Through Sport:

The programme encourages social inclusion by fostering relationships between participants, parents, and the broader community. It creates a safe space where girls can interact, bond, and develop a sense of belonging.

Encouraging Participation and Membership Growth:

The initiative will expand the club’s membership, particularly among girls, increasing the number of individuals engaging in physical activity.

By providing the equipment and a supportive environment, we lower the entry barriers for new participants.

Developing New Initiatives:

This is a new programme specifically designed to engage a target audience (young girls) that is traditionally underrepresented in boxing.

It is additional to the club’s current activities, marking a significant step towards diversifying our club’s offerings.

Targeting Sport NI Priority Groups

The programme supports several of Sport NI’s identified target groups, including:

Women and Girls: The primary focus of this programme is to empower girls through sport.

Children and Young People (11-18 years): A key demographic of our initiative, as we aim to engage young girls at a formative stage of their development.

People Living in Rural Areas: The Armagh City area includes rural communities where access to organized sports may be limited.

Innovative and Creative Delivery

The programme is designed to be creative and innovative by:

Introducing freestanding punch bags and other beginner-friendly equipment, making boxing more approachable for those who are new to the sport.

Providing specialized training for girls in a structured, safe, and inclusive environment that emphasizes not just technical skills but also physical and mental well-being.

Encouraging girls to take on leadership roles in the future as boxers, coaches, or mentors within the club.

Building Resilience and Sustainability

Club Growth and Future Planning:

The programme aligns with the objective of helping clubs build resilience by diversifying their membership base and tapping into new audiences (girls and young women).

By increasing participation, the club strengthens its position as a hub for community activity and social inclusion.

Sustainability:

The equipment purchased will provide long-term benefits, supporting this and future programmes designed to engage girls in boxing.

This project demonstrates our ability to manage and deliver projects effectively, laying the foundation for additional growth initiatives.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to contribute to our campaign and help us reach our target:

Make a pledge: Your donation, big or small, will make a significant difference.

Spread the word: Share our project on social media and encourage your friends and family to support us.

Local businesses can get involved by donating items or services that we can offer as incentives to our supporters.

Fundraise for us: If you’d like to host your own fundraiser or sponsored activity, please let us know, and we can help set up your page.

Thank you for your support and for being part of our journey to create a brighter future for Armagh Amateur Boxing Club and the community we serve.