Watford's MP says a boxing club that works to keep young people away from knife crime and drugs is "punching massively above its weight".
Labour's Matt Turmaine visited West Herts Amateur Boxing Club and Educational Support CIC to see its work supporting children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
During the visit, the MP met head coach and founder Saud Hafiz, a former professional boxer from the Radlett Road Estate, who leads the St Albans Road club.
He also saw first-hand the club’s junior sessions for 11 to 16-year-olds and joined in with activities, including a round of press-ups.
He said: "I first spoke with Saud about visiting to find out more when I saw the kids out on a run and I was very interested by the stories Saud and volunteers told me when I went along about what goes on there and how it is a community hub.
"This is all about changing lives and making a difference and Saud and his team are punching massively above their weight here.
"With strong emphasis on both physical and mental well-being and by helping to prevent knife-crime and involvement with drugs, that’s valuable community work in action."
Based in part of the old north Watford Woolworths building, the club runs around 40 sessions a week for all ages, including women-only classes.
About 200 children and 100 adults regularly take part.
Sessions for younger children aged seven to 10 focus on non-contact boxing, fitness, and confidence-building.
Mr Hafiz said: "We are proud of the impact we are having in our community, supporting hundreds of children and young people every week and giving them a safe place to grow, build confidence and stay on a positive path.
"For many of the young people we work with, this is more than a gym, it is a lifeline.
"However, we are heavily reliant on funding to keep this work going.
"Demand continues to grow and we have already outgrown our current space."
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The club was founded in 2019 and is focused on addressing a variety of social challenges, including knife-crime and involvement with drugs.
It provides a safe and structured environment for children and adults alike.
Mr Hafiz called on businesses to consider backing the club through corporate social responsibility (CSR) schemes, saying that further support could help it "reach more young people and secure a sustainable future."
Mr Turmaine praised the club’s efforts not only to improve physical health but also to address mental health needs and promote community safety.
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