Over 20 years have passed since Newark Amateur Boxing Club first opened its doors at 49 Castlegate in Newark, during which head coach Dean Sugden has dedicated much of his time to helping countless young gym members achieve their own goals, whether they’re looking to have fun, improve their confidence, health and fitness or, in some cases, even step out into the ring themselves for shows both at home and away.
Supported by the gym’s fully qualified England Boxing coaches, including his eldest son Chad and his nephew Irvine, both of whom are Level 2, together with three Level 1 coaches, all of whom are qualified through England Boxing’s world-class accreditation system, Dean has been sharing his knowledge and skills with their young clients while continuing to add to his own qualifications as a trainer.
“I have been a Level 2 coach myself since July 2005 and since the start of this year have been studying for my PCIB (Level 3) with England Boxing alongside a CiHPS (Certificate in High Performance Sport) programme up in Sheffield,” said Dean.
“Last season I was asked by an East Midlands President and Regional Coach to assist with Regional Squads and at this year’s AGM I was nominated by a large number of clubs within the East Midlands to become Regional Coach myself. After being nominated I had to provide a statement of suitability and was voted for by the majority of the clubs in our region.
“I was delighted to get the support of the clubs and I plan to continue to share all initiatives and coaching practices to help grow our region. The East Midlands is a great region, one I am very proud to be part of. Over the years, the squads have given its boxers and coaches not only a fantastic opportunity for their development but also some great opportunities they have enjoyed.
“Now I have been given the chance to take on the role of Regional Coach, a challenge and commitment I would relish.
“My first task is to bring the whole region of the East Midlands together again and put its boxers first. Knowledge sharing is key, offering the boxers every possible opportunity is vital and, with a conjoined region, we can develop, share ideas, grow and help our boxers and coaches achieve their potential and be the best they can.
“Initially my vision would be to run focussed sessions, one of them for Schools and Juniors and the other for Youths and Seniors, with all sessions welcoming boys and girls, males and females. Ultimately I believe there would need to be two different squads, a Development squad and an Elite squad that would run very much like England Boxing runs its own Pathway, getting our best Elite and best Development boxers training with each other.
“And with the development of women’s boxing, I will be offering my encouragement and support to the recently formed Athena female-only team squad to work within the East Midlands Regional Squad, with the best boxers being put forward to Regional Squad training sessions.
“We will always remain objective when selecting boxers to represent the region but will only pick from who attends the squads to match up against other regions. I would also like to organise some International and National Box Cups and competitions for East Midlands squads where clubs and boxers aren’t currently involved.
“I see guests being invited to our squad sessions from the world of amateur and professional boxing, in order to offer their support and experience to those sessions.
“It goes without saying that I would always welcome any new ideas and ways that can help us continue to grow and help our regional boxers achieve their potential. The stronger our region is the better our clubs will become – success breeds success and currently England Boxing is leading the way internationally in all age groups.
“Above all else, we stand together and, with the help and support of all its clubs, I am confident we can make the East Midlands the number 1 region in England!”
SUGGY'S GYM 
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