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Club celebrates after receiving OCC grand gesture

20/10/2004

FAILSWORTH Amateur Boxing Club is celebrating after being awarded a grant of more than £2,500 from Oldham Community Chest.

The club, set up four years ago by ex-light-heavyweight boxer Frank Nightingale and ex-flyweight Tony Barlow, runs three times a week at Failsworth Sports Centre and the grant helped pay for much-needed strips and safety gear.

Frank and Tony were motivated to give something back to their sport and provide local youths with something to do.

The club now trains 24 youngsters, including several girls, and membership is open to anyone from the surrounding area.

Frank said: "We have worked hard to build this club, gaining support from a number of local businesses such as Clayton Aniline in the early days, the council and, most recently, the Community Foundation.

"Young people in the area have many problems to face, including bullying, and our club gives them focus and confidence in their lives.

"This most recent grant will help us expand even more, bringing more kids into the club. We've got some great boxers and some fantastic support, even Ricky Hatton pays us regular visits to keep the kids inspired."

• ANYONE interested in joining the Failsworth Amateur Boxing Club should contact Frank on 0161 681 8864 for further information.