Exmouth Amateur Boxing Club can now begin to plan with some hope after the latest lockdown announcement from the Government.
While it remains to be confirmed when and how boxing can fully resume, there is light at the end of a very long tunnel.
“It has been very difficult through all the lockdowns because we have a team of coaches (Head Coach Neil Ferreday, Dan, Adam, Brendan, and Alan) dedicated to the sport, so it has been very frustrating,” said Kevin Endicott from Exmouth ABC.
“We’ve got around 30 members but we were really restricted with the gym during the first lockdown.
“The concern is that people can lose enthusiasm for the sport and there isn’t much we can do at the moment, other than to remind people that the gym is waiting for their return.
“We’ve actually done a lot of work on the facilities in the lockdown months and the roadmap on reopening does give us an opportunity to start planning.
“We’ve got some new equipment, new flooring and freshly painted walls, so it will be a nice environment for people to enjoy.
“There isn’t a great deal that the boxing authorities have been able to do, other than provide some online guidance, but we look at physical sports like rugby as an example of what can be achieved.
“It has been disheartening because boxing is a niche sport and something you need to do regularly to maintain your passion and enthusiasm.
“From a physical and mental side, boxing covers everything. It is the head, the body and the mind. It is everything all in one package.
“It will be absolutely fantastic to have people back in the gym.
“My own journey started a few years ago when my lad Isaac was 16 and he wanted to find a sport that he could enjoy.
“I ended up joining the club as well and we developed a huge enthusiasm for the sport. My daughter has also joined and the whole ethos of the club is one big happy family.”