A BOXING club run by volunteers is pleading for help after bosses were told they have just three months until they must move out their their gym. 

Gateway Amateur Boxing Club has been based at Lampits Hall, Corringham, for the last 15 years but their tenancy is up on February 25. 

Despite a nine-month long search to find a new gym, the volunteers have been unsuccessful and are now pleading for anyone who can help to come forward.  

Current gym - Gateway have to vacate by February Current gym - Gateway have to vacate by February (Image: Steve Manning)


The club has around 100 young people on their books and runs sessions four times a week.
Now, they are appealing for help to find a new home – be that in Thurrock, Horndon, Basildon or Billericay.

Manager at the club, Steve Manning, 56, has said the club is open to moving anywhere and open to anyone for training and community.

He said: “The club is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers and no one takes anything out of the club, we have 100 youngsters from seven to 18-years-old and some adults.

“We have been here for 15 years and have been given plenty of notice, but I have been trying for nine months to find us somewhere. The issue we have is we need somewhere permanent as we have heavy equipment.

“We are open to anybody who wants to help.” 

Youngsters - Some of Gateway's cohort Youngsters - Some of Gateway's cohort (Image: Steve Manning)


On the benefits of the club, Steve said: “We have a whole range of people, we have some kids who come with no confidence and their parents want to build it up, we have people who learn a new skill and compete on the amateur circuit.

“These kids come at a very early age and some later in life, there is no discrimination, anyone can come through that door.

“It enhances their life, it leads them to have a healthy lifestyle, make friends and learn things, they learn new skills, things like discipline and respect.”

Steve added the biggest loss would be an end to the aspiration of their gifted boxers, who “can compete and potentially go on to even make a career of it”.

To contact Steve, email enquiries@gatewayabc.co.uk.