A well-established Bolton boxing gym is hoping to win funding to keeps it community projects’ vital work going.

Elite Boxing Gym first opened in Halliwell in 2003 and since then has helped to transforms people’s lives, helped people with depression and anxiety and helped teenagers looking for a positive direction.

Now, having started its own community hub the gym hopes to secure funding to keep going for at least another 20 years.

Co-founder Alex Matvienko said: “We built the Elite Community Hub CIC during the covid pandemic to give back to the local community. 

“It has been a lifeline for so many people ever since.  

The Bolton News: Alex Matvienko in his boxing daysAlex Matvienko in his boxing days (Image: Kenland Media Relations)

“Giving the kids somewhere to go helps to reduce anti-social behaviour.  

“It’s a safe place for young people in Bolton to come to, whether they want to train as boxers or find a new hobby and stay off the streets.”

Over the years, Elite Boxing has won plaudits for the work is does in promoting physical and mental health, with its community hub found on the upper floor on the mill building on Wordsworth Street.

The Bolton News: A ladies only session A ladies only session (Image: Kenland Media Relations)

Sessions of offer include the fortnightly Ricky’s Club, which allows men to talk openly about their mental health, while the gym has also helped teenagers to keep active.

Free sessions are also held for over 50s and children while “ladies only” classes have helped undo some of the social isolation and poor fitness caused by lockdown.

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The gym is now set to apply for funding to continue to keep work like this going into the future.

The bids will be overseen by Lee-Anne Green, gym secretary, who hopes that her background in finance will help her make sure that the projects are run efficiently and effectively. 

Mr Matvienko said: “We’re committed to providing free classes for kids and over fifties to keep them healthy in mind and body especially when there’s a cost-of-living crisis.  

“Lee-Anne understands the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of boxing, the vital role the gym plays in the community and the pathway to success we provide for talented amateur boxers coming through.  

“The kids we train are the stars of the future.”

More information about Elite Boxing can be found at: https://www.locaji.co.uk/greater-manchester/bolton/elite-boxing/477819/.