About Us

Club History

The Phoenix Boxing Club formerly known as Willingdon Trees Boxing Club is a non-profit making amateur boxing club run by volunteers. It was started in 2008 by PC Dave Selby, who was the local police beat officer in that area. His goal was to tackle anti-social issues within the community and give young people a safe activity in the evenings where they could meet new people, learn new skills, and keep fit. Also to instil a sense of discipline, respect and self-control which is vital in boxing. Recognising it was important to invest in the young people of Eastbourne, the club was supported by funding from the Crime Reduction Partnership to buy a boxing ring and other equipment. Since the formation of the club in Willingdon Trees, there was a considerable drop in youth related crime in the area.

In 2009 Willingdon Trees Boxing Club was awarded the ‘Best Community Group Achievement’ award at the Winter Gardens, which recognises achievement within the community.

Dave Selby is still involved with the club and with a new committee in place, we realised that the club had outgrown the facilities at the community centre. With a great deal of fundraising and a generous donation from The John Jackson Trust we secured a new premises at 142 Langney Road, Eastbourne. Formally the Phoenix Auction Rooms it was decided to rename the club The Phoenix Boxing Club.

The Club

The Phoenix Boxing Club, formally known as Willingdon Trees Boxing Club, is a non-profit making amateur boxing club run by volunteers that offers to teach boxing to both sexes from the age of 6 years upwards. From beginner to seasoned pro, there is something for everyone and we pride ourselves on it being a friendly, welcoming environment, whether people are training to keep fit or training to compete.

Boxing Clubs help bring together a community of all ages, where they can meet new people, learn new skills and keep fit. It offers a positive diversion from crime and anti-social behaviour, promoting discipline, respect and self-control. The physical activity of Boxing also has many health benefits and provides a full-body workout that can improve cardio-vascular health, reduce weight and reduce weight-related illnesses.

DISABILITY IN BOXING

Phoenix Boxing Club are keen to encourage disabled people to use their facilities and have paid particular attention to providing disabled access, toilets and showers in the premises. Several of our coaches have been on an accredited course, learning how to coach disabled people in sport with the aim of offering disabled people an inclusive pathway into a sport which they might not have otherwise thought possible.

COACHES

All of our dedicated coaches volunteer their time free of charge. We currently have three qualified coaches including a former 3 x Sussex Counties Champion and Amateur Boxing International and a few invaluable helpers. We would however love to expand our current timetable and are always looking for further volunteers to help us to do this.

VOLUNTEERS

We would be particularly interested to hear from any ex-boxers or anyone who has an Amateur Boxing Association coaching certificate. You would have to be able to work as part of our friendly team and be prepared to be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service – previously CRB) checked. This would be a regular commitment.

FUNDRAISING

We would also be interested in people who can take on a fundraising role. Previous experience of this role would help as you would be expected to work on your own initiative and regularly report to our committee with proposed ideas, events and progress reports. This would be a regular commitment but with hours to suit.