Sheffield boxing club fears funding changes will hit youngsters
Sheffield City Boxing club hosted 350 youngsters this summer
School holidays are offer - and the ring inside Sheffield City Boxing club won't be groaning under the weight of youngsters like these, so much now.
No fewer than 350 youngsters packed into Brendan Warburton's Nether Edge/Sharrow gym over the course of a month, in a programme providing fitness, discipline, nutritious food and a glimpse of what young athletes can achieve.
Sadly, though, Brendan fears the numbers may never be as high again.
The club had provided funded places and healthy meals during the Summer break, through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
"We are happy that that the club played its part by providing a welcoming environment for all, where everyone improves," said the coach.
"We had around 350 kids through the doors - unfortunately I’m not sure we’ll see those numbers again.
"The government are changing the way it is funded," he said.
"Though there will be more people who can claim Free School Meals (FSM) the funding for HAF and targeted free school meals is cut by around 35 per cent."
The change means more children will qualify for free school meals, but not all of those kids will qualify for the funded holiday activities - leaving less money for places such as those offered by the boxing club.
"I suppose the government extending FSM to anyone claiming universal credit is a good thing" said Brendan, but added he had reservations about cutting the 'targeted' programme.
"We will continue to deliver the camps but the number of free places will reduce."
With schools re-opened, the club is now turning its attention to a busy season.
"Carmel Carey, 23, who works at the WaterBear Sheffield Music College got us off to a great start recently with a gold medal in the Doncaster Boxcup" said Brendan.
"We have plenty of boxers out over this month including around 10 of our boxers entering the National Development Championships which start on the 13th in Bridlington.
"We are looking forward to what should be another good season."