Our Story
We are a team of experienced, passionate volunteers, led by a Level 2 England Boxing Coach, who has been working in boxing gyms across Essex for the past 2 decades, helping countless individuals win titles and realise their potential.
We are looking for a home for a new non-profit community boxing club in the heart of Essex and have found a town and venue that is the perfect fit for it. BUT we need help to get started.
Boxing gyms bring communities together and help people from all walks of life become fitter, healthier, more resilient and happier.
Witham, is a mid-Essex commuter town that has grown rapidly in size over recent years and has seen an increase in crime and anti social behaviour. There is little in the town to keep children and young adults busy and our research has identified that having a community boxing club in the town could help address a number of issues (outlined in the community impact section below).
The vision for the gym is that it will be a welcoming and inclusive space offering a range of sessions and access to boxing in all of its forms whether that is competitive amateur boxing or beginners no contact sessions. The gym, like boxing gyms across the country, will be run by a team of passionate volunteers who will coach and mentor all participants. Attendees will pay to join classes with all money going back into the club to cover running costs, equipment and training.
How we’ll spend the money raised
The money raised through crowdfunding will be used to get us up and running and cover our Year 1 running costs specifically a deposit for a building and 12 months rent, bills and a proportion of the equipment (flooring and ring). The funding will also be used to pay for modifications to make the building accessible to all.
We will be using our own savings to pay for the remaining equipment including punch bags, pads, gloves, weights and fitness equipment, kit, branding, England Boxing fees and volunteer training.
We hope to raise the money towards our year 1 running costs as this will enable us to get started without having to take out large loans which will incur interest charges and mean that the club will start its journey in debt.
No profit will be taken from the club, every penny will go back into making this a community facility that unifies local people and provides opportunities to those most in need. A sustainability plan has been prepared to help us identify opportunities for funding and growth including bidding for community grants, attracting sponsors, hosting events, allowing other clubs to use the facilities and offering free sessions to help attract new members. The location and building we have identified will allow for organic growth without the need to move at a later date.
Community impact
Witham has a population of 27, 389. 22% of the population are aged 17 or under.
According to national health data Witham has high levels of depression, loneliness, childhood obesity and in some areas violent crime*.
Witham scores lowly on the Community Needs Index. The Community Needs Index was developed to identify areas experiencing poor community and civic infrastructure, isolation and low levels of participation in community life.
Witham currently has 1 leisure centre and 3 gyms with monthly subscriptions ranging from £39 to £80 per month. There is no boxing gym in the town, the closest boxing gym is in Maldon a 7 mile journey which is roughly 20 minutes by car or 55 minutes by bus (1 bus per hour). It is worth noting that in Witham North, West and Central Wards 20% of households do not own a car (2021 Census Data).
Witham is in need of a community facility that caters to people of all ages and demographics. A community boxing club would provide a constructive outlet for people to focus their energy. A place where young people can excel and feel empowered by learning new skills in a safe and disciplined environment which will improve both their mental and physical health.
The club would also provide adult and ladies only sessions to help the Witham community become more active whilst tackling mental ill health and loneliness by offering a welcoming environment where people can make new friends.
We will also be looking at offering specialist sessions targeted at home educators and those with disabilities and special educational needs. The space can also be used by other groups when available.
This will be more than just a boxing gym, it will be a community hub where people can learn new skills, get fit and connect with those around them. We hope to grow and develop with the community and offer sessions that people want to see in an affordable and accessible way.
[*All Witham Wards, excluding Witham South, score poorly on the Indices of Deprivation (IoD) 2019 Crime Domain which measures the risk of local crime indicating that crime is an ongoing issue in parts on the town. Violent Crime and Sexual Offences are especially high (June 2023 - May 2024 Data) particularly in the Witham Central Ward.]
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!