Is been a packed out 6/7 weeks for the Training Cave.
We have really done our best to get out into the community and do as much work as possible with the young people in our area.
We have also been providing sessions within our gym as part of a Kirklees project called ‘healthy holidays’ which we had over 170 sign ins for. I asked our own Brandon Brearley to help me with this and he’s been with me everyday helping to deliver the activities.
The ‘it’s up to you’ project allowed us to run some free boxing sessions out of the Birstall and Birkenshaw community centre on field head. We did 3 days up there providing classes for children aged between 6 and 16 years old. We attracted over 25 kids to each of these days.
Over the summer we have been in contact with ‘safer Kirklees’ who have really supported us with our projects. They have been impressed with us and invited us to attend the bleak house community centre on Wilton and teach a big group of kids some boxing at an activity day.
Through all this we have built some great contacts, one being Umar from ‘spark skills’ which is an organisation that provides activities for children. He contacted us and asked if we would provide a taster boxer session for some girls.
I asked our female boxer Beth Walsh if she would help me with this, she accepted and we delivered a boxing class to around 15 young girls.
A few weeks back I attended a meeting with the Batley youth offending team and explained to them how I think the Training Cave can help them with the young people they work with.
Since then they have been bringing children to our healthy holidays sessions and I’m confident we can now run something long term with them and have a big impact.
With all this we have attracted attention with some very important people locally. We have had visits to various activities from our local MP Tracy Brabin, independent candidate Paul Halloran and conservative candidate Paul Young. We have also developed contacts with local councillors Gwen Lowe and Mark Thompson.
Within the core of all this we have been preparing our boxers for the new season.
Our tag line has always been ‘strong for life’, originally this meant we would help a person to become fit, healthy and strong for the rest of their lives. This summer has made me realise it’s not just about individuals, we can help a community.
We want to make a difference to the young people in Birstall and Batley. If anyone has any questions or suggestions just let us know.
Big THANK YOU to everyone that has helped us with sessions, contacts and paperwork. It’s much appreciated. ??