Who are we?
The newly established Schomberg Boxing Club was formed in early 2024 to cater for young people in Kilkeel Central who wanted to engage in boxing and exercise programmes. The club was born out of the local community group, the Schomberg Society Kilkeel and the club has successfully affiliated to the Ulster Provincial Boxing Council and the IABA. The new club, based in the centre of Kilkeel will provide fun and inclusive boxing and exercise programmes for young people and the wider community, to try out the sport and eventually compete in competitions.
The newly established club will enable new people to get involved in the sport of boxing to learn new skills and become more active and healthier. The new Club is growing at a rapid rate, with demand increasing daily. We have ambition to grow training, teaching, coaching, participation and competition within boxing in Kilkeel. The club will encourage local children and young people to learn and participate in boxing who have never had access to the sport of boxing previously.
Why are we crowdfunding?
The Schomberg Boxing Club is on a mission to empower young people in Kilkeel through the sport of boxing. To achieve this, we need to invest in high-quality equipment, experienced coaches, and engaging outreach programs. The new Club is dedicated to empowering young people and the wider community in Kilkeel through boxing, but we need your support to make this vision a reality.
As a new club starting from scratch, the demand for our programs is growing rapidly, we currently lack the essential equipment and resources to provide the best experience for participants, specifically Children and Young People both boys and girls who are new to the sport.
Our goal is to raise £10,000 to purchase vital equipment, such as a portable boxing ring, punch bags, protective gear, and kids' gloves, as well as to fund hall hire and outreach programs in the community and local schools.
This funding will allow us to:
- Provide safe, inclusive training for all skill levels.
- Launch community and school boxing programs, bringing the sport to those who may never have had access before.
- Promote physical activity, confidence-building, and teamwork among young people in Kilkeel.
Your support will help us grow our club and give the youth of Kilkeel a chance to thrive through the sport of boxing. Together, we can create opportunities for a healthier, more connected community.
How we’ll spend the money raised
As a new rapidly growing club in Kilkeel, we need to purchase basic essential equipment to enable our new club to continue this journey to support local people, both young and older, to learn new boxing skills.
At Schomberg Boxing Club, we are committed to using every penny raised to create the best possible opportunities for young people and the wider community in Kilkeel. Here’s how the funds will be spent:
- Portable Boxing Floor Ring (£3250)
This will be the centrepiece of our training sessions and community events, enabling participants to experience the sport in a safe and professional environment. - Boxing Punch Bags with Chains & Brackets (£2400)
These will provide essential training tools for fitness, technique, and skill-building. - Protective Gear (£1250) including Body Protectors (£440); Head Guards (£480); Groin Guards (£130) and Body Shields (£200). Safety is our priority, and this equipment will ensure participants can train with confidence and security.
- Kids’ Boxing Glove Sets (£300)
With 25 pairs of gloves, we’ll ensure our younger participants have access to suitable equipment to get started. - Boxing Coaches Costs (£1200)
Covering the cost of experienced coaches for an 8-session community program, providing expert guidance and mentoring to participants. - Hall Hire (£400)
Funding the venue for the community program ensures we have a welcoming, accessible space to train. - School Boxing Outreach Programme (£1200)
Taking boxing into schools for one day a week over 8 sessions will introduce more young people to the sport and its benefits.
Total Cost: £10,000
By supporting this project, you’re investing in much more than just equipment – you’re helping to inspire confidence, build resilience, and foster community spirit through the power of sport.
Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference in Kilkeel!
Community impact
The Schomberg Boxing Club is more than just a place to learn boxing; it is a hub for community development and empowerment in Kilkeel. Our mission goes beyond teaching boxing skills – we aim to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the wider community.
Who Benefits?
- Local Young People: We provide a safe, structured environment where young people can build confidence, discipline, and resilience. Our programs help them stay active, improve mental well-being, and develop life skills like teamwork and perseverance.
- Schools: Our outreach programs bring the benefits of boxing directly into schools, encouraging physical activity and fostering a sense of achievement among students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. These sessions will open up new pathway opportunities for students who wish to develop further within boxing, fitness and wellness.
- The Wider Community: The club is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, offering inclusive fitness programs, family-friendly events, and a chance to connect with others in a supportive environment.
Why is This Important?
- Physical and Mental Health: Our programs promote physical fitness, reduce stress, and improve mental health – key benefits in today’s fast-paced world.
- Community Cohesion: By bringing people together through sport, we help break down barriers and strengthen the sense of belonging in Kilkeel.
- Opportunities for All: With no previous boxing facility in the area (Kilkeel Centre), our club fills a vital gap, making the sport accessible to those who may never have tried it before.
Beyond Boxing:
While boxing is our focus, our facilities and programs are adaptable for other community uses. Whether it’s fitness classes, youth mentoring sessions, or community events, we aim to be a versatile space that supports Kilkeel’s development and well-being.
Our Vision:
Through this project, we’re not just building a club – we’re building a stronger, healthier, and more connected Kilkeel. Together, we can create opportunities that benefit everyone in our community.
Our project will give young people, both boys and girls, the opportunity to try a new sport, and a sport they otherwise would not have the chance to participate in. We will facilitate specific girls/women sessions that will improve their health, self confidence and sense of security with improved self defence skills. This project will 'Level the Playing Field' by addressing the traditional exclusion of young people in Kilkeel Central from participating in the sport of boxing.
This Boxing project is crucial for the continued development of our new club to enable our community and sporting ambitions to be met by ensuring sustained participation in the sport whether for performance, recreational or health benefits.
With Sport NI matching every pound raised up to £5,000, your support will be crucial in developing the new Schomberg Boxing Club and creating lasting change across the community in Kilkeel.
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!