Re: The Lion Club for Young People (Two)

Charity registration number 1161314

Company registration number 09259061 (England and Wales)

We are a non-profit charity run for the benefit of the local community.

By way of background, we were founded in 1934, and The Lion Club has proudly served the residents of Hackney, East London, a region of great diversity. Over the years we have remained dedicated to empowering the local community through sports and other activities. Today we continue that legacy by providing a safe inclusive space where individuals can come together, grow and reach their full potential. 

Our programmes are based on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of background or ability.

We work to keep young people off the streets, empowering them with positive alternatives, and we support women and individuals in recovery, helping them build strength, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose through fitness and martial arts.

Lion Boxing Academy

Our amateur boxing club brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared interest in staying fit, healthy, and for some aspiring to become future champions.

While we are primarily a competitive club, we also provide a welcoming space for those who wish to box without the pressure of competition. Our facility is a judgement free zone, where anyone can train for fitness or personal development. As part of our community initiative, we offer free training for many young people in the borough, helping them stay active and develop discipline in their lives. Website for the Boxing Academy is www.lionboxingacademy.com 

Sport is your Gang

We offer free MuayThai, MMA as well as boxing training to young people in the borough, helping them stay off the streets and away from gang involvement, In partnership with the International Federation of Muay Thai (IFMA), we provide high quality training that fosters physical and mental development. Our aim is to create a positive environment where martial arts promote discipline, strong values, and a sense of purpose guiding young people towards making positive choices and reducing ant-social behaviour.

Fitness Wellbeing & Recovery

Founded in 2019, the FWR programme supports individuals in recovery from a range of addictions, including alcoholism, drug dependency, gambling and overeating. By incorporating martial arts and yoga, we help participants improve their physical fitness while enhancing their mental resilience. We also fund individuals to become certified instructors in their chosen disciplines, providing them with the opportunity to teach and promote their own healing. This initiative not only fosters financial independence but also enables them to rediscover a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.

Disability and Inclusion

We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where individuals facing physical or mental challenges can engage in training within a safe and welcoming space. Our commitment to inclusivity is widely recognised in the community, as we offer people with disabilities the opportunity to train alongside able-bodied individuals. We accommodate a diverse range of disabilities, including visual impairments, wheelchair users, those with PTSD and individuals recovering from strokes or cardiac conditions, among others

Shelf the Shank

This cause is one that one of our trustees, Bill Judd, holds dear. For decades, he has passionately encouraged young people to replace time spent on the streets with time spent in the boxing ring. The real challenge, however, is that many young people lack role models, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of belonging. By guiding them away from the streets and into the boxing gym, they not only gain a supportive community but also embrace the core values of discipline, purpose, and belonging, and such values can profoundly shape their futures.

LGBTQ+

We offer LGBTQ+/gender inclusive martial arts and boxing classes. We think it is important for everyone to have a safe non-judgemental space to participate and to grow physically and mentally.

Faith Outreach

The Lion Club is a beacon of unity, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds- Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, and more, who train side by side in a spirit of respect and inclusion. Since the 1970s, we have partnered with local churches and mosques to engage ethnic and religious minorities in fitness and martial arts. Here, differences are not only respected but embraced, and through boxing and martial arts, members develop physical skills alongside empathy, teamwork, and a sense of community. The club proves that, regardless of our backgrounds, we can thrive together.

Women in Combat Sports

The Women in Combat Sports program creates opportunities for women to engage in martial arts and boxing in a supportive, inclusive environment. Led by Rugsana Begum, the first Muslim woman to become a World MuayThai Champion, our ”Embrace” boxing classes empower women to build strength, confidence and resilience. Rugsana’s mission is to provide a safe space for women to train, especially in traditionally male-dominated sports, helping them break barriers and thrive. Through our programmes, women not only improve their fitness but also gain a sense of belonging and empowerment.

We are a local club working in the community for the community and to continue this vital work, we rely on generous support. We need funding to maintain the club’s annual running costs and future development. We are desperately in need of funding and all the help we can get. Please consider our cause and give generously and help us transform lives for the better.

We will be happy to supply you with any further information and complete any documentation you may require. Our Website is  https://www.thelionclubforyoungpeople.com and our email address is [email protected]. You can contact me direct on the email this was sent from.

To maintain and grow these projects we desperately need funds. Our annual costs are running at around £50,000.