St Paul’s Boxing Academy is launching an exciting new initiative to strengthen its work with young people across the city.
The Friends of St Paul’s scheme invites small businesses to directly support the academy’s mission to change lives through sport.
As East Yorkshire’s largest and most successful boxing club, St Paul’s has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, offering young people discipline, confidence, and a positive outlet.
Darren Peacock is one of the trustees of St Paul’s and is also director of Westwood Capital Finance in Beverley. He said: “This new initiative will ensure St Paul’s continues its vital work, providing access to top-class training, mentorship, and opportunities for young boxers, regardless of background.
“The local business community has been so supportive of St Paul’s in many ways, especially through the recent £1m refurbishment and securing the lease on the building for the next 25 years.
“By being a Friend of St Paul’s, small businesses will make a difference – in a very real and tangible way. Their contributions will enable us to do more for members and provide more opportunities.
“St Paul’s isn’t just about boxing – it’s about building futures and bringing people together.”
From left, Tony Bowler, Mike Bromby MBE, Michelle Bowler, and Darren Peacock
St Paul’s head coach Mike Bromby MBE said: “Whenever a business or individual contributes to the St Paul’s family, it means the absolute world to the young people here.
“A lot of what we do is about self-belief, and getting our young people to believe in themselves more. So when a business contributes to St Paul’s, they are showing that they believe in them as well – and that’s really powerful.”
David Garness, head of St Paul’s trustees and group managing director of Garness Jones, said: “St Paul’s shows members the benefits of discipline, determination, being present, being focussed – all of those are key qualities for success in any part of life.
“Those are also qualities we need in the local business eco-system, whether that’s in a member of staff, a manager, or entrepreneurs. So by becoming a Friend of St Paul’s, you’re not only supporting young people, you’re also investing in the local business community.”
Local businesses that join the scheme will be recognised as official supporters of St Paul’s Boxing Academy and will receive a certificate and St Paul’s goodie-bag as well regular updates and invites to events.
Any business or individual interested in joining the Friends of St Pauls are invited to a special event at the gym in North Church Side, Hull, on Wednesday, February 26th, 6.30pm to 8pm, when they can find out more about the work of St Paul’s, mix with like-minded business people, and enjoy some free food and drink. To reserve your spot, register at here
Founding friends and event organisers Tony and Michelle Bowler said: “We’ve had a lot of interest in the event already so we are encouraging anyone interested in finding out more to register for the event as soon as they can.”
Since being established in 1948, St Paul’s has trained hundreds of champions as well as launched the careers of world-class fighters including 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist Luke Campbell, and former Commonwealth lightweight champion, Tommy Coyle. More recently, Maddie Gittins has been enjoying international success in the ring and Harvey Lambert has been going strength to strength as a pro after his time with Team GB.
St Pauls has been in the news recently with its Parkinson’s Sessions, boxing training sessions aimed at improving balance, co-ordination, and agility –all things that diminish with the progression of the condition.
For more information or to become a Friend of St Paul’s, visit www.fosphull.co.uk