Islington Boxing Club is in need of funding so that it no longer has to train hopefuls in a wooden cabin.
The boxing club, situated in Hazelville Road, currently owns the land it is situated on and has been given a 25-year lease by the Council. But it is working toward gaining new funding, so that it can extend its lease to 99 years and open a brand new building.
“If we can get a purpose-built facility, we can grow further and help the community,” says Lenny Hagland, Islington Boxing Club CEO.
The club was first established in 1974 and was originally named “Kings Cross Amateur Boxing Club”. It then moved and was given a small grant by Islington Council.
But as the club has grown and is currently staffed mainly by volunteers, extra funds are needed to secure a long-term lease and re-develop the site. “We will be looking into getting some funding from corporates. It’s going to be a matter of a few partners,” says Hagland, “We are a charity, the charity does require money.”
Hagland believes that the fundraising project will be a huge benefit to the local community, as they want to open a health and wellbeing gym and community area for local use, as well as their own space for boxing training.
“Hornsey Road, where we are, there’s not a lot going on. Boxing is not just for competitive boxers, it’s a keep-fit sport,” Hagland says.
If enough money is raised for a new building and longer lease, Hagland hopes the boxing club will continue to make progress, “We want to get boxers competing, travelling around, getting boxers competing at international tournaments,” he said.
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