Case study: Kirkby ABC keen to continue the community legacy
February 20, 2022 | by Matt Halfpenny
Established in 1961, Kirkby ABC has achieved many successes throughout the years due to the high population density and dedicated coaches.
After 60 years and seven homes, the Merseyside and Cheshire region club have now secured an asset transfer of their new building, which holds a Community Centre, running track and MUGA pitch.
They are situated near schools with high populations, providing a steady stream of young people in the club throughout the year.
In their new building, they host 14 community projects including wellbeing sessions for suicide prevention, an LGBT group, fibromyalgia support, a cycling club, and sound healing meditation, to name a few.
The club has also partnered with the local Youth Service team offering probationary work, and have regular female sessions throughout the week.
Steeped in history, the walls are adorned with many accolades from down the years, including multiple National Title Winners and World Champions
A busy club in the heart of the town, they have had an entry in each competition since their first affiliation. Their most recent success was Recardo Jenkins who won an England Boxing National Junior Championships title in 2021.
Head Coach and Secretary John Lloyd puts their success down to the club’s location and ethos that ‘all coaches are equal; all boxers are equal’.
At the helm of the club for over 50 years, he believes remaining open and transparent is vital, and is thankful that all coaches give their time to ensure that each boxer is treated the same from beginner to elite.
‘’The gym is now big enough to hold club shows,” he said. “This season alone, we have had two skills shows allowing 16 of our boxers to compete. We are so proud to be able to help grass roots boxers.”
“This is a great club that serves our community well, and with the new centre, we are hoping to continue with our success for many years to come.”
If you would like to support Kirkby ABC, or keep up with their progress, you can follow them on Instagram via @kIrkbyabc_ or by clicking here.
