Boxing Club Joins Forces With Army Charity
A newly formed partnership between a boxing club and an armed forces charity is proving to be a huge success.
Based in Baglan, the Bulldogs Boxing and Community gym has been working closely with military charity SSAFA to encourage potential, current and former armed forces members to sign up to their gym. In addition to being able to access free fitness sessions, members can also gain access to a range of information and attend weekly drop-in sessions.
Since forming the partnership in 2014, they have helped support over 50 veterans with 8 going on to find employment. They also helped to prepare and train 4 young recruits into the Army and 3 into the Navy.
To further boost the scope of what the partnership can offer, grants were awarded from the Neath Port Talbot Armed Forces Covenant and the Welsh Government. The grant has enabled the boxing gym to be turned into a multi-use facility that the whole community can now use.
Further information on the Armed Forces Covenant and grant funding can be found on the Neath Port Talbot Council website.
Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “The Bulldogs is a good example of a sports club using the tools of their trade to create change in the community. Reaching out to the armed forces community and working in partnership with SSAFA and other organisations has proven to be worthwhile. I wish them well with their future efforts in the improved facility supported by this funding”.
Mal Emerson, Manager of Bulldogs BCA said: “Together we are stronger and more than just a boxing club. I’d encourage anyone who is a serving member, a veteran or considering joining the armed forces to come along to The Bulldogs”.
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