Newark Amateur Boxing Club based at Suggy’s Gym gains charity status after 21 years

After a very long process and due diligence on behalf of The Charity Commission for England & Wales, Newark Amateur Boxing Club based at Suggy’s Gym on Castlegate has been given Charity Status.

“We set up NABC in 2002, almost two years after we moved to 49 Castlegate, and over the years it has been primarily supported by Suggy’s Gym and by some very generous local companies,” said head coach Dean Sugden.

“Over those years we have been working really hard to have a positive impact on lives, not just for those who want to compete but also for others who’ve been drawn to boxing and our club for life skills like discipline, anti-bullying, adaptability, respect, exercise of mind and body, better understanding of teamwork and, more importantly in some cases, for the important ingredient of hope.

“During that time we have been asked to deliver sessions in schools focusing on anti-social behaviour, bullying, attendance and attitude, behavioural sessions and enrichment.

“Now the BNA Charity’s generous donation of £20,000 will help us to unlock important funding to help facilitate some of the great work we do in and around schools, sessions that have all been delivered by our really experienced coaches who have attended various safeguarding workshops, carried out enhanced DBS checks and are MAPA trained.

“This money will be used to help facilitate and deliver these specialist sessions in Newark’s schools. And with the support of other organisations, we hope to secure the funds for a vehicle to help transport these children to and from school to the fantastic facility we have use of at Suggy’s Gym.”

“On Friday 1 December, at the Newark ABC Home Show in Farndon, Keith Girling and I were delighted to present Dean with a grant from BNA Charitable Incorporated Organisation,” said Paul Simpson. “Newark ABC is a fantastic team and the Home Show that followed was an excellent night of boxing!”

“It was great to hear Dean’s passion for engaging with young people to keep them off the streets, give them a sense of purpose and instil discipline into their lives,” added Keith Girling.

“For me it starts with passion because with that comes the drive to make a real difference,” said Dean. “I am so proud of some of our success stories both in and outside of the boxing ring. And what a great start to 2024 for us with that fantastic donation of £20,000!”