Boxing club expands training sessions for children after city council grant

West Herts Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) will offer two additional weekly training sessions for disadvantaged children thanks to a £5,000 grant from the council.

Funding comes from Watford Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Grant initiative.

Founded in 2020 by Saud Hafiz, the boxing club now targets children and young adults aged 11 to 19 – up to 25 for those with special educational needs (SEN) – who have recently moved to the Callowland and Central Watford area.

The aim is to offer a positive perspective to disadvantaged young people who face isolation, loneliness and vulnerability to negative influences.

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor said: “Watford has a proud history in boxing, from the famous Buxton family through Saud to the latest generation of Anthony Joshua, Shannon Courtenay and Shannon Ryan.

“Apart from the physical and fitness aspects, it is a great sport to focus energy, concentration and mental performance.

“Thanks to Saud’s efforts and the funding received, West Herts ABC will have the opportunity to improve its existing services.”

Saud Hafiz and Mayor Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

West Herts ABC remains committed to using boxing as a vehicle for positive change in Watford.

The club not only aims to improve physical well-being, but also promotes other values ​​such as discipline, camaraderie and respect.

A former amateur boxer who competed for England and won two national titles, Hafiz is well aware of the life-changing power of boxing.

Hafiz’s passion for boxing began at the age of 13 and served as a coping mechanism after the death of his father.

He said: “I was born and brought up in Watford and spent most of my childhood on the Radlett Road Estate.

“Life was hard at times. My troubles and worries began at the age of 12 when my father died.

“Fortunately, boxing has paved the way for me to gain confidence, courage and a sense of belonging.

“The discipline and sacrifices required were enormous, but they made me who I am today: a winner.

“I want to help our community inspire people from all walks of life to dream, believe and achieve.

“It all starts here at West Herts ABC and thanks to the grant we can offer boxing to even more people.”

The next round of Neighbourhood Grant funding has now begun.

The initiative is funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy from developers for new housing and is implemented annually to mitigate development impacts while encouraging sustainable growth in the community.

For more information, including this year’s projects, visit watford.gov.uk/community.