Spalding Boxing Academy gets ready to unveil new gym

Coaches from a Spalding boxing school who asked for the public's help to find a base for their students are getting ready to unveil their new home.

Spalding Boxing Academy will soon be ready to welcome its members back to the gym after a summer when they were forced to leave their previous home in the town.

The academy, started by head coach Stuart Possnett two years ago, had previously been based at a site in Kellett Gate, Low Fulney, until they were given notice to move out in July.

But after an appeal shortly afterwards through the Spalding Guardian and our sister newspaper, the Lincolnshire Free Press, Stuart and academy secretary Tom Smith are now able to teach "the noble art" of boxing to youngsters and adults at a former food factory in central Pinchbeck.

Tom said: "When we put an article in the newspapers to ask whether anybody had anywhere available for us to rent, a landlord rang us and said that we could look at a place in Pinchbeck.

"It has heating, toilets and air circulation system, which is great because we have to keep a certain level of air circulating in the gym under the rules from England Boxing (the national governing body for amateur boxing clubs).

Spalding boxing club still in search of new base to call home

"With the COVID-19 restrictions, we can't have any competitions or shows, sparring or pad work.

"Being in Tier 3 means that our boxers can only do individual work in small groups, so it's a little bit more structured than it was before.

The academy currently has about 100 members, ranging from primary school youngsters and students, right through to adults.

When COVID restrictions ease, Stuart and Tom hope to put on special ladies' and senior nights for its adult members.

Tom said: "The students are chomping at the bit to get back, but we can't afford to have people just turning up at the gym.

"So we want people to contact us and book an appointment to come into the gym because we have to reduce the number of members who are allowed to use it."

While Stuart and Tom were looking for a new gym in South Holland, boxers were having to train at clubs in Boston and St Neots.

At the same time, an online fundraiser for the academy raised nearly £1,400 towards its running costs.

Stuart said: "The new gym is costing us twice as much as the old place, so we'll be looking for a sponsor to get on board.

"But it's a fantastic gym for Spalding Boxing Academy, an old food factory where they used to test food.

"The hygiene is very good as it has a ventilator system that will give us clear air in the gym within minutes."

A virtual opening ceremony for the new gym is being planned by Stuart and Tom for members, some of whom have competed at amateur shows and competitions, including the East Midlands Youth Championships in January.

Stuart said: "We've got a good level of membership, with lads and girls from all over the area, including Long Sutton, Gedney Hill, Donington and Crowland.

"Hopefully, the new gym will take our club to the next level."

To book a session at the gym, call Tom on 07710 256221 or post a message on the academy's Facebook page.