Ex-offender turned fundraising hero Pop Haywood set to open brand new community gym in Sheffield
A local boxing coach is launching an all-purpose community hub in Sheffield just months after opening his first gym.
Steven “Pop” Haywood spent 17 years in prison before resolving to turn his life around and set up a boxing gym, committed to steering young people away from trouble through physical exercise.
Mr Haywood, aged 69, said: "I’ve been in their shoes, I know which path they’re going to take.
"My previous life has put me in good stead - I understand the problem and why they’re doing what they’re doing."
Since then, the gym has outgrown its current home at Three Arches Events Space, Walker Street, off The Wicker, and will soon be moving into an old furniture shop in Handsworth.
Pop says the ambitious project is fuelled by a desire to give back as he hopes to transform the venue into a multifaceted community facility, complete with a food bank, charity shop, café, and youth club.
"It’s not about money for me, I’ve never had a wage," explained the coach.
Bolstered by the support of his friend and local businessman, John Tompkins, Pop be organising a variety of fundraising events to bring his vision to life, including a white collar boxing match, car boot sale, and charity walk.
Numerous plasterers, painters, and decorators have already offered to assist in the renovation of the gym, free of charge.
It is clear that they, like the coach, believe firmly in the value of this project and what it could achieve for people living in the area.
Mr Haywood said: "It’s all community-based.
"I know what we do, I’ve seen people change, I’ve seen people’s lives change."
Mr Haywood will be participating in a white collar boxing match at Three Arches Events Space on March 20 to help furnish the new gym.