A CREWE boxing club is receiving knockout donations in a bid to give youngsters in the community a fighting chance.

The South Cheshire ABC club was established by 23-year-old welterweight Nathan Clarke and offers family-friendly gym facilities with expert tuition in martial arts and boxing.

The club is also working in partnership with Sports and Leisure Team from Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Police and Wulvern housing association to teach youngsters aged six upwards the skills required to be a boxer, as well as fitness, discipline and focus.

“Youngsters often have excess energy, which unless it’s channeled, can lead to anti-social behaviour,” said qualified martial arts and level two amateur coach Nathan.

“As well as developing sporting skills, we are helping people increase their confidence and self-esteem to change their lives for the better through training.”

The gymnasium features a competition-sized ring and a weight training area with various fitness equipment and spacious exercise floor.

Clair Edwards-Steele, regeneration officer at Wulvern, said: “Clubs like this help hold our communities together by keeping local youngsters busy and giving them focus.

“We work very closely with the police to develop and enhance the lives of young people and are always supportive of great initiatives like this.”

Officers from the Proactive Policing Team regularly train at the gym and have embraced the diversionary programme.

DC Chris Morris, club welfare officer, added: “As well as helping to improve their health, the programme helps address issues around anti-social behaviour, truancy, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, gun and knife crime and much more.”

The gym is open to everyone and has recently expanded its classes to include a ladies only boxercise session. For more details call Nathan on 07720 381977.