Top End Boxing Academy in Bray, Co Wicklow had been at risk of permanently closing down due to the lack of community space from which to operate, but has now found a new place to call home.
The Academy, formerly St Teresa's Boxing Club, made the decision to close down after head coach Mark Buckley was unable to secure suitable premises to train his boxers.
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady said he, along with those in the club, have been “working hard” to try to secure alternative full-time accommodation to suit their needs and stop the club permanently closing down.
Mr Brady said: “We approached the council with a view of using the community centre in Giltspur Heights. After a number of meetings and putting forward a formal proposal, the council agreed to put a lease in place for the use of the premises and over the last number of months a lease has been worked on.
“This is a win for the community and for sport. The council must be commended for all their work on making this possible. I would like to use this as a stepping stone for the club and will continue to work with them to secure a larger, more permanent community-based clubhouse.”
He noted that the club, like many other community-based clubs and organisations, struggle to survive due to a lack of community space, adding this “needs to serve as a wake-up call”.
Sinn Féin Councillor Dermot O’Brien added that the Academy has shown “such resilience amid so many barriers and so much struggle in their search for a home”.
Cllr O’Brien added the club can “now finally get back to a focus on doing what they do best, which is to provide a fantastic outlet for young and old in the community, from champion boxers to people who just need an outlet to clear their head a few times a week or stay fit”.
“The coaches and members of this club are playing a key role in our town and should be supported to do so,” he added.
