Following a request from one of our members, our Lodge voted to make a donation to Ramsgate Boxing Club without perhaps appreciating the fantastic work that takes place behind a double garage door in the shadow of a Ramsgate tower block.
I went to visit the club to present our donation and was “knocked-out” by the work that the staff and trainers do to better the lives of the young people in their area.
Cheque being presented to the Club Captain – Harvey Alexander
We see too often on the local social media, random acts of vandalism and pointless petty crime. This is usually followed by an observation in the comments section that “there is nothing for today’s youth to do”. Whilst organisations like Ramsgate Boxing Club cannot singularly solve this issue, they certainly offer an environment where teamwork is promoted, support afforded, and effort rewarded.
Such was the overwhelming feeling of “family” within the club. All of the young boxers there train together, go out running, work out on the heavy bags, do countless sit-ups, sweat, and get exhausted together. And whilst boxing is an individual sport, each member of the club pulls-for and supports every boy and girl that steps into the ring.
Ramsgate Boxing Club has classes every weekday evening, they currently have over 100 members and the enthusiasm and happiness in the room is addictive.
Mike Williams, Mick Wilkinson and Kenny Sanders were the three coaches who were putting the club members through their paces – quite literally for Kenny who appeared 10 minutes after me having been out for a run with eight club members. Whilst at the point of my arrival, Mike and Mick were instructing two lads who were working the heavy bags and ensuring that their concentration was maintained, pointing out that any lack of the same whilst in the ring would not be helpful.
Mike and Mick quickly made me aware that Ramsgate Boxing Club is more than a hobby club, and whilst all are welcome to train, get fit, and enjoy the overwhelming feeling of enthusiasm, they took some time to show me through some photos of recent international competitions that the club has recently attended, with those that had medalled offering inspiration for those that have not yet reached that level.
Among the aspiring champions at the club is Mia Sanders (14) who is currently ranked third in the country and whilst currently nursing an injured knee, was still present doing any training that her injury would permit. A name to definitely watch for in the future.
I spent no more than forty minutes at Ramsgate Boxing Club, but if I could roll the clock back 40 (ish) years, then I would be there as a permanent fixture – such was the feeling of positivity and friendship. I will recommend to Royal Navy Lodge that we support the club again at a later date, and we wish them, and their members every possible success for the future.
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