Thames Valley ABC Boxing Event

14 May 2025

Hello everyone, recently, Thames Valley ABC held a boxing event at the Newbury Racecourse, showcasing many young people that train at our centre.

 

Firstly, the work Thames Valley ABC boxing does is vital. Young people not knowing what to do with their free time is a real issue, as many often either stay inside or loiter around Newbury, getting mixed up in bad situations. The work this boxing club does to take young people out of their rooms and off the street into being active and practicing a sport can completely transform a young person’s future, keeping them physically and mentally healthy.

 

During the event, I was sat at table two, the table for The Waterside Centre employees. On the table was a programme, with various information on the event and its boxers and sponsors. A bout list was also provided, showing all 14 fights that where taking place. The event was hosted brilliantly, with helpful waiters and excellent facilities, allowing for everyone’s undivided attention to be on the boxers. After food was served and everyone had settled in, the fights began. Firstly, there where three “skill” bouts, which are fights in which there is no winner and punches are to be held, allowing for Thames Valley ABCs younger boxers to display their skill and potential. These young people getting involved in an event like this really showed the benefits of youth work and the experiences it can bring young people. Throughout the night, fights went in order from youngest to oldest. This allowed for boxers of all ages to shine and showcase the excellent training Thames Valley ABCs coaching team. The love for these local boxers where clear, with roars of encouragement coming from the crowd whenever a local boxer landed a hook or completed a flurry of jabs. The confidence this would have given these young people cannot be underestimated, and created an event they will not forget about any time soon.

 

Overall, I believe that this event is an excellent example of how youth work can completely change a young persons life. Without Thames Valley ABC, these young people may have never gotten involved in boxing or any activity for that matter. This boxing club provides young people with a fun way to excericise and stay healthy as well as stay off the street and out of their rooms, and we cannot thank them enough for the work they have put into making this happen. For Newbury’s youth, events like this can transform their whole childhood, and I firmly believe that more events such as this one would benefit everyone is many ways.