A youth boxing group which has become a 'beacon of hope' in a city community is celebrating as the club continues to go from strength to strength.

Broadside Warriors Amateur Boxing Club, based in Dereham Road, Costessey, has been gifted state-of-the-art equipment through funding gifted by Costessey Town Council.  

Their gym, situated close to the junction with Richmond Road, has done a lot of work with underprivileged children and young people so when the opportunity came up for councillors from the suburb to help out, they didn't hesitate.  

Paul Lewis, assistant head coach at Broadside Warriors ABC, said: “Thanks to the funding we have received on behalf of Costessey Town Council we have been able to purchase a cable crossover weight machine for the boxing gym.  

Norwich Evening News: Sharon and Gary Blundell, councillors from Costessey combined their funding to purchase the equipment Sharon and Gary Blundell, councillors from Costessey combined their funding to purchase the equipment (Image: Gary Blundell)

“The equipment can aid boxers in regard to strength and conditioning.  

“Some of our boxers are from underprivileged communities and cannot necessarily afford separate gym memberships as well as boxing, so being able to provide more tools to help boxers in terms of growth and development is fantastic.” 

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The club is a not-for-profit organisation and all coaches are volunteers, so they appreciate all the funding and support they receive.  

Costessey district councillor Gary Blundell said: “Voluntary organisations play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community, especially when it comes to youth development.  

Norwich Evening News: The children awarded the councillor as trophy as a thank you The children awarded the councillor as trophy as a thank you (Image: Gary Blundell)

“The Norwich Broadside boxing club has been a beacon of hope for countless youths seeking mentorship, discipline and a sense of purpose.” 

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Gary and his wife, fellow Costessey councillor Sharon Blundell, decided to pool their individual contributions of £1,000 each together to put towards the club.  

Norwich Evening News: The club hopes the new equipment will mean they can offer young people a new area of strengthening in their training The club hopes the new equipment will mean they can offer young people a new area of strengthening in their training (Image: Gary Blundell)

Gary continued: “We have taken a significant step toward ensuring that the young trainees at the boxing club have access to new and improved equipment.  

“This small gesture carries enormous significance, as it enhances safety measures and provides a more structured environment for young boxers to hone their skills.” 

As a thank you, children from the club presented Gary and Sharon with a trophy of gratitude.