Leigh Park Amateur Boxing Club wins new funding

Leigh Park Boxing Club, near Havant, has received almost £13,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner to support their work reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

Their successful bid for £12,900 from the ASB Safer Communities Fund, will now help to provide scholarships for disadvantaged young people who need to train and refocus, as well as assisting with rising rent costs.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to fund Leigh Park Amateur Boxing Club on the edge of Havant. Leigh Park is an area of deep deprivation in Hampshire, where unfortunately too many young people are involved in crime, in particular, anti-social behaviour.

“This boxing club is being driven by some fantastically committed coaches who are bringing children in, and in some cases giving them free access to sports coaching.

“They are getting them trained up as amateur boxers, they are teaching them discipline, but the most important thing is that they are getting them off the streets and they are surrounding them with positive male and female mentors.

“I’m really pleased as Police and Crime Commissioner to be able to fund this brilliant programme. Long may those volunteers at Leigh Park ABC continue to inspire young people across the area.”

Leigh Park Amateur Boxing Club is proudly affiliated with England Boxing and is run by former ABA heavyweight champion Billy Bessey, who started at the club himself aged just 10. The gym offers affordable, positive activity for over 100 young people in the area every week.

Through their activities and with the commitment of volunteer coaches, the club provides discipline and structure, alongside mentorship to help steer young people away from gangs, criminal activity and intimidation.

The gym provides a safe space within the area and gives those attending a sense of community pride.

Since March, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s ASB Safer Communities Fund has provided more than £1.35m in funding to help support local projects that have an impact to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

PCC Donna Jones with Billy Bessey, who runs Leigh Park Amateur Boxing Club.