While all sports had to navigate a difficult pathway out of the Covid crisis, the challenges faced by amateur boxing clubs, and all those involved in close contact, was particularly tricky.

It is, therefore, wonderful to see these clubs once again thriving and full of hope for the future.

Lympstone Amateur Boxing Club is one of those entering 2023 with great enthusiasm and ambition to take their sport to a new level and they were thrilled to host an amazing night of boxing at the Railway Club at the end of January.

The sizzling atmosphere was matched by some tremendous performances in the ring and represents some of the amazing work going on behind the scenes to give boxers the best platform possible, but the club is always looking for new faces to lend a hand in any way possible.

Jo Taylor from Lympstone ABC said: “There is a lot going on at Lympstone ABC and, as well as events in our own area, the hope is to take our boxers on sparring trips and festivals further afield.

“Our biggest challenge is developing a team of regular volunteers, as we rely on these people to make the club a success.

“We have some brilliant coaches at the club already but are always on the look out for more. What we really need is people to support that infrastructure with all the other jobs that makes a sports club successful.

“This list includes administrative tasks, collecting monies, chasing up memberships, maintenance and a whole lot more. Any help that can be offered will be gratefully received.”

The local community has already demonstrated fantastic support for the club, including a concert by the Lympstone Marines Band raising money for the defibrillator.

This support is reflected in some of the events boxers have already enjoyed this year, including a sparring session in Torbay, the acquisition of new gym equipment and the development of a new programme in partnership with Girl Power to encourage more females into a sport that improves fitness, self-confidence, self-defence and friendship groups.

To find out more about Lympstone ABC and all it has to offer, visit the club social media pages.