Tackling Inequalities Fund: How we’ve benefited – Truro ABC
October 13, 2020 | by Matt Halfpenny
As one of the most southerly clubs in England, Cornwall’s Truro ABC has suffered problems at the hands of COVID-19, just like anywhere else. But, as Coach and Club Secretary Ian Tennant explains, a Sport England-funded Tackling Inequalities Fund grant has helped them adapt and overcome many of the issues faced.
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Apply for Tackling Inequalities Funding
Truro’s successful application to the Tackling Inequalities Fund followed the lockdown period and subsequent phased re-opening of the Club.
Through regularly keeping up to date with the ever changing situation via the England Boxing website, and the information posted regarding the TIF, we decided to apply.
With the invaluable assistance and encouragement of the regional Club Support Officer, Richard Powers, the application was submitted by myself and we were delighted to be approved.
About the club
The Club is located in the Cornwall’s only city status in amongst a housing estate categorised as an area of high deprivation, with many young people in the local vicinity falling in to the ‘at risk’ category.
The Club provides a facility for recreational and competitive members of all ages from a diverse cross section of the local community.
The dedicated team of volunteers at Truro are providing between five and seven sessions per week, as well as continually carrying out regular cleans after every session.
How Tackling Inequalities Fund grant has helped
We have been able to reopen the gym after a thorough Risk Assessment and deep clean and pay the additional rent for more frequent sessions, which has allowed us to cater for smaller groups and allow for social distancing.
We’ve also been able to purchase an air filter/dehumidifier and various items of appropriate PPE. Plus, we’ve been able to compile a welcome pack for new members including their own individual items of training kit.
The club’s influence on the local community
Many of the young people who attend are reliant on the Club as a steadying influence especially in these challenging times.
The club has many testimonies from previous members who have benefited from their positive experiences at the Club.
Amateur Boxing is an important sport for children and young people; it instils discipline, respect and determination and often appeals to those who do not take part in other formal sports provision.
Some of our members have become volunteers themselves and progressed onto making a worthwhile contribution to the local community and beyond.
Staying strong to beat COVID-19
As a member of the England Talent Coaching Team, I was privileged to be a part of the #KOCOVID19 video campaign helping to raise awareness of the pandemic and fundraising opportunities at the start of lockdown.
On behalf of Truro Boxing Club, I want to send best wishes to everyone in the boxing community during these challenging times in which we will all beat the count against Covid together.
About the Tackling Inequalities Fund
Truro Boxing Club is one of more than 65 clubs in some of the country’s most deprived communities to which England Boxing has distributed £150,000 from the Tackling Inequalities Fund, funded by Sport England. All clubs given grants had either received no other funding, or were in a critical situation where other funds had been exhausted.
You can find out more by clicking here, or contact the England Boxing Club Support Officer in your region.
