BOXING club head coach Kevin Brownlow has been overwhelmed by the response to the launch of the new club.

Holmes Chapel Boxing Club is based at Active Fitness behind Goostrey Home and Leisure, and more than 200 people attended the launch event.

The club is led by Kevin and Zoe Brownlow, Mark Milward and Helen Cliff, and aims to teach young people discipline and structure as well as inspiring them to achieve.

“The club officially opened with an open afternoon to share information on the club, amateur boxing and the role we will play in the community, and the event was a huge success,” said Kevin.

“More than 200 people attended throughout the afternoon, and were able to speak with the coaches and committee, get in the ring and have fun hitting the pads and listen to Steve Tallo-Brady, head coach at Tameside Elite and child welfare officer for England Boxing north west, and share his experiences on the positive contribution boxing clubs can play in the community.

“Steve is also an England Boxing referee, and managed some technical sparring, as demonstrated by Sonny Hogan and Byron McDonagh, experienced amateur boxers from Murray Machines ABC.

“Anthony Crolla, former WBA lightweight world champion, attended to support the club, and Anthony and I cornered the boxers from Murray Machines, showing everyone the skills possible for 12-year-old boxers who dedicate time and effort to boxing.

“On the day guests could sign up for the first classes, teaching the basic principles and techniques before the main classes start.

“The club was set up in response to requests from the community, and the feedback on the day validated it, with the club being already over-subscribed.

“The plan was always to expand into the adjoining unit and have a dedicated room for boxing with the right training equipment.

“As we now have waiting lists for all classes, we are increasing the effort to try and get in even quicker. We have started fundraising and welcome any interest from companies interested in helping the club.

“The club is managed by a volunteer committee on behalf of the community, and the plan was to work towards charitable status within two years. On the evidence from the past week we are seeing if we can do this quicker.”

For more details visit the Holmes Chapel Boxing Club on Facebook, @boxingchapel on twitter or email hcboxingclub@gmail.com