County Durham boxing club shortlisted for national award after transforming young lives

A small boxing club in County Durham that began as a way to support one young girl has grown into a community lifeline, earning national recognition for changing the lives of hundreds of people across generations.

Mainsforth Amateur Boxing and Fitness Club, based in Ferryhill, has been shortlisted for the Community Impact Award at the England Boxing Annual Awards, standing among the final three clubs selected from more than 1,000 boxing clubs across the country.

The nomination recognizes not only sporting achievement but also the club's remarkable work in supporting young people, promoting inclusion and strengthening one of County Durham's most disadvantaged communities.

A club born from a father's determination

The club was founded four years ago by Richard O'Neill, who originally wanted to create a safe and supportive environment for his autistic daughter.

What began as a personal mission has since evolved into a thriving community hub where boxing serves as a tool for confidence, discipline and personal development rather than simply competition.

Speaking to ITV News Tyne Tees, O'Neill said boxing had transformed his own life and had done the same for his daughter.

"Boxing changed my life. I know how much my little girl has grown in here as well."

National recognition for community work

Being shortlisted for one of England Boxing's highest community honours came as a proud moment for everyone involved with the club.

O'Neill described the nomination as "absolutely brilliant" and believes the recognition extends far beyond the gym itself.

According to him, Ferryhill deserves positive stories and role models.

"It is a deprived area. It is going to give Ferryhill what it needs. It needs that boost and these children are looking up to us as coaches, and we are like role models to them."

The Community Impact Award celebrates clubs that use boxing to improve lives, tackle social isolation and create opportunities for people of all backgrounds.

Helping children find confidence and purpose

The club welcomes members from six years old to 80, making it one of the area's most inclusive sporting facilities.

Young members say the gym has provided far more than boxing lessons.

One teenager explained that the club gives many young people direction when they feel they have none.

"People within the community who've had no direction in life are being given direction, a purpose and something to work towards."

Another boxer credited the club with completely changing his outlook.

"It's made me the person I am today. It's given me confidence, discipline, new friends, fitness, strength and confidence in myself."

Supporting children outside mainstream education

Beyond its regular boxing sessions, Mainsforth Amateur Boxing and Fitness Club has expanded its role by working with children who have been excluded from mainstream schools.

The club now delivers alternative education programmes, providing structure, mentoring and positive guidance for young people who may be struggling elsewhere.

O'Neill believes many of these children simply need encouragement and consistent support rather than punishment.

"We're doing great things with them. They just need a bit of structure and positive people around them. When we talk to them, we're like mentors and we're helping to build them up."

More than a boxing gym

The success of Mainsforth Amateur Boxing and Fitness Club reflects a growing recognition of the role grassroots sports organisations can play in improving mental health, reducing youth crime and strengthening communities.

For many families in Ferryhill, the club has become far more than a place to train—it is a safe environment where children and adults alike can build confidence, develop life skills and find a sense of belonging.

Whether or not the club takes home the England Boxing Community Impact Award, its nomination has already highlighted the extraordinary difference that dedicated volunteers and local coaches can make in transforming lives, one session at a time.