Newark ABC celebrate 20th anniversary with free sessions for youngsters

As part of the celebrations marking 20 years since it first opened at Suggy’s Gym on Castlegate, Newark Amateur Boxing Club will be offering four weeks of free boxing sessions to youngsters between 5 and 12 years old.

The sessions run from 5pm to 5.45pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting on Tuesday 13th September, and the kids taking part will be trained by three of the gym’s most experienced coaches, Dean and Chad Sugden and Jade Grierson.

Open to both boys and girls, and non-members of the gym, the sessions are completely free of charge and no equipment is needed.

No prior boxing experience is necessary and there will be no need to book in for the sessions, but those wanting to take part will need to complete a short health declaration, known as a PAR-Q, which a parent or guardian signs.

“Apart from that, all we ask is that the youngsters arrive on time for the start of the sessions – not early but just on time – and bring a towel and water with them,” says Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden.

“We are a 4,000 square feet facility which is England Boxing approved, fully insured and all our coaches are DBS checked.

“Our aim with these free classes, as with all the sessions we offer at the gym, is to help build confidence, teach the youngsters some new skills, instil discipline and respect – and of course, to make sure it’s a fun experience for all of those taking part!

“What’s more, we are planning a fun day on Saturday 1st October from 12noon to 4pm, when we will be opening our doors and providing food and drinks along with some taster sessions. Our professional fighters and coaches will be in attendance and everyone will be welcome.”

Chad Sugden, his eldest son, added: “It will be great to give the kids a taster of what it’s like down at Suggy’s Gym and show them what opportunities it has to offer. We have been doing this for 20 years and I remember first getting involved myself when I was about seven or eight years old.”

The gym is home to two-time national champion and European schools bronze medalist, Sam Hardy (pictured right), who has been with Newark ABC since the age of five.

“Here at the club, we’ve helped so many kids grow in confidence and on the other side have helped so many of them calm down, giving them all a real focus and hope for the future. My dad is so passionate about giving everyone a chance and this is something he has instilled in all of our homegrown boxers and coaches.”

“Without Suggy’s Gym and Newark Amateur Boxing Club, I certainly wouldn’t be in the position and situation that I’m in today,” said Grierson.

“Being there initially as a client and more recently as a coach has given me great opportunities to better myself, first as a young person and now as an adult, and that’s something I’d like to be able to give back to our community by working with the kids coming to the gym, especially now that I have my own daughter Amani.”

Details of what is on offer and how to get involved can be found now on the home page of Suggy’s Gym website here.