The New Addington Amateur Boxing Club (NAABC), established 50 years ago, plays a crucial role in preventing youth from turning to crime in Croydon. With over 400 members, many boxers credit the club for instilling discipline and camaraderie. However, the club faces impending closure as Croydon Council intends to sell the venue as part of a wider cost-cutting effort to address substantial debt. Coaches and members express concern over the lack of communication regarding the eviction and fear the club's closure would lead to detrimental effects on the community.
Aaron, a boxer at NAABC, stated, 'I hear a lot of people dying up here, they are often friends of my friends. If it weren't for boxing, I don't know what I would do.'
Bill Graham, Head Coach, expressed frustration: 'We've been drip-fed information from the council. We only heard through the grapevine in September that we were being moved on.'
Dylan Blythe noted, 'I'd have been banged up a long time ago if I didn't come here,' highlighting the transformative impact of boxing.
NAABC is at risk of closure as Croydon Council seeks to sell the venue, an essential community space with over 400 members.
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