Sports clubs play an important role in communities. They are a place for participants to take part in their favourite activities, but they also play a wider role in improving communities as spaces for social interaction, driving positive societal change and supporting social isolation. In the heart of Shettleston in Glasgow, this is no different.
Shettleston, in Glasgow’s East End is among Scotland’s most deprived, with limited sporting opportunities. Where there was once a thriving miners/welfare club, is now a modern boxing facility that has fully embraced the role of what a community sports club is all about.
Since opening in November 2023, Shettleston Boxing Club has grown to welcome over 200 members through its doors on a regular basis.
So, what makes this club so special and inclusive of its community?
Heart of the community
The club welcomes people from the age of five up to its oldest member, who is currently 59.
Opportunities are sparse within Shettleston, as Nadine Graham, the club secretary explains: “There aren’t really many opportunities for people that live here.
"We wanted to create something positive that will give residents something meaningful to look forward to in their lives.”
“We wanted to create a club that was cool and unique. Something that would encourage young people to come along and feel welcomed. Something different from your traditional boxing gym.”
The ethos of the club is focused on giving back to the community. The club became a community interest company (CIC) earlier this year, meaning they will carry out activities for the sole benefit of supporting the community.
The club are also an active member of the Shettleston Community Sport Hub, which is part of the national sportscotland community sport hub network. The community sport hub programme is funded by The National Lottery and brings sports clubs and community organisations together to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland.
Overcoming barriers
Membership costs £5 for the year which covers participants affiliation to Boxing Scotland, then each session is on a pay as you go basis.
“We went down this route as we didn’t want to make this an issue as I know the struggle some people face.” said Nadine.
“Cost is the biggest barrier I find as many people straight away ask ‘How much is it?’ or ‘What equipment do I need to buy?’
“We have equipment that they can use and we have a ‘pay when you can’ system which hopefully takes the pressure of some people, as well as encourage others to join.”
From the coaching to the overall day to day running of the club, the club is entirely voluntary run with any money left over reinvested back into the club and its community.
“We all do it as we want to give back to this community” said Nadine.
Plans for the future
The club are in the process of working with the local Active Schools team to start two new sessions for local primary and secondary pupils. One of which will be a fitness session specifically tailored for girls between 14-17 focused on supporting stress during exams. The session will incorporate breathing techniques and other mental health support aids for the young people, during what can be a hard time in their lives.
It is also hoped that a new targeted diversionary project in partnership with the community police officers will help reduce anti-social behaviour in the area and help support those participants in a safe and positive environment.
Positive outcomes
Liam Baird, Sports Development Officer at Glasgow Life - Sport said: “The club wanted to be more than just a club and so it was about identifying their needs.
“Being a new club, and when they were finding their feet, we made sure to get the right level of governance in place. They have also attended some of the hub meetings which have been hugely beneficial for the club to meet other clubs within the area.”
“The important thing for me is that the club have given local people a choice when it comes to sport.
"They are not only filling a gap in participation but supporting wellbeing too. For example, they have participants who want to come and fight competitively, but equally they have members who want to just get fit or focus their minds on something totally different from their daily life struggles.”
Pauline Barr, whose son attends the club said: “We live locally and this area, like many, has its issues. It is great to see a positive environment that welcomes all through their doors and, ultimately, provides a focus for the local community.
"The club has become an intrinsic part of Shettleston life in a very short time, which I credit solely to the hard work and dedication the team undoubtedly show to improving the lives of those in our community.
I have seen the confidence levels of my son increase. He has become more self-assured in how he presents himself. This is in stark contrast to how he was before he joined; he was struggling at school and with his self-image and self-esteem.”
Adam, 19, has been a member of the club since it first opened and is the first fighter to win a bout for the club when he won at the start of October.
He said: “I joined the club last year, and it has helped me in so many ways.
“It’s stopped me hanging around with the wrong crowd and to stay out of trouble.
"I also feel much better about myself. I have dropped from 118kg down to 90kg, which has given me a real confidence boost.”
This is echoed by Keldon, 12 who said: “To me the club are like a family and the support I have received has been fantastic. They have helped to keep me disciplined and control my anger in a positive way. I am getting better and stronger every week.”
Find out more
- Check out the Shettleston Boxing Club website
- Follow Shettleston Boxing Club on Facebook
- Learn more about community sport hubs
