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New Facilities a Knockout
Boxing has received a major boost with the completion of refurbished
facilities at one of the longest serving clubs within County Antrim, Ligoniel
Amateur Boxing Club. The project was funded by the Sport Northern Ireland Lottery Fund and on Friday 14 December former champion boxer Steve
Collins was present at the club to officially open it. 
The scheme saw the renovation of the ground floor of the boxing gymnasium
which was in need of repair as the facilities had been constructed over 100
years ago. The completion of this work now means that Ligoniel Boxing Club
can provide members with a state of the art, modern and safe environment
to compete and train in. The club can now continue with their comprehensive
coaching structure and, in turn increase standards of performance.
The transformed venue will also enable the club to sustain existing
membership and attract new members, especially youth and females.
Ligoniel coach Sean McAuley believes the new facilities will help transform
the lives of the youth of the area, “We never had facilities for girls before, it
is great that they will now have the opportunity to get involved in boxing.
After the refurbishment we held an open night for them which was extremely
successful. The transformation is an amazing change and we can’t thank
Sport Northern Ireland enough for their assistance”.
Speaking at the official opening Gerry Carson, Vice Chairman of Sport
Northern Ireland, commented: “Ligoniel Amateur Boxing Club has come a
long way since it first opened 32 years ago and Sport Northern Ireland are
thrilled to be involved in such a positive initiative. The new facility looks
absolutely fantastic and something which Sport Northern Ireland is proud to
have our name attached to.”
Total project cost £750,000 |
