DC Boxing club's message packs a punch in visit to Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament
A CLUB that uses the power of boxing to improve young lives headed down to Parliament and Downing Street to showcase its work to MPs.
DC Boxing, based at Maltby Academy, joined project leaders Bristol-based Empire Fighting Chance, promoters Matchroom Boxing and five long-standing partner boxing clubs for a series of discussions in Parliament hosted by Chris Webb MP, vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Boxing.
During the visit the group also met with Rother Valley MP Jake Richards, whose constituency includes Maltby, and many of the young people involved in DC Boxing’s programmes.
Jake joined the group outside Downing Street to recognise the impact the club is having locally.
The session brought together leaders from across the sport to highlight the vital role that community boxing clubs play across the UK in their localities and in schools and the growing recognition of boxing as a powerful tool for social change.
DC and others revealed the progress of their Boxing for Good programmes, sharing real stories of impact.
A key moment of the day was the presentation of the first National Impact dataset, an evidence base which is supported by social return on investment analysis. It demonstrates the reach of the programmes and the measurable value they deliver for young people, families and wider society.
Ian Huddleston, CEO of DC Boxing, said: “For many in the room, it reinforced what those working in community boxing already know, that the sport is uniquely placed to engage, support, and empower people often missed by traditional services.”
DC Boxing is one of 61 partner boxing clubs and the number is rising.
Jake Richards MP said: “It was fantastic to meet the team from DC Boxing in Westminster and to see the impact they’re having back home in Maltby.
"Community clubs like this do far more than train future athletes – they provide discipline, confidence and a positive space for young people. I’m proud of the work they’re doing in Rother Valley and will continue championing initiatives like this both locally and in Parliament.”