Volunteer It Yourself assist with Marden ABC’s refurbishment

Marden Amateur Boxing Club has reason to celebrate after undergoing a refurbishment thanks to Volunteer It Yourself (VIY).

VIY combines DIY and volunteering by challenging young people aged 14 to 24 to help repair and refurbish youth and community buildings and facilities.

Students from Gateshead College’s construction department carried out the works, supervised by NJR Interiors.

The project involved demolition works to create extra gym space, installing a new ceiling and refurbishing the club’s bathroom. Wickes supported the project by supplying the club with materials for the refurbishment.

“The opportunity to work with VIY and Wickes couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Marden’s Head Coach Dean Preston.

“We are an ambitious club and our building has been unloved for many years so an improved facility was a must for us to be able to grow and develop.

The students were great and got their hands dirty, guided by NJR Interiors and VIY mentors. There’s still work to do, but further planned volunteer days should get us over the line.”

Matthew Williams, Club Support Officer for the North, added, “Marden ABC is going from strength to strength and it’s great to see this latest stage in the club’s development.

“The club was established as part of Sport England’s Satellite Clubs programme and is now a successful England Boxing affiliated club.

“It’s really satisfying to see Dean’s ambitions for the club being realised and I have no doubt that there will be further exciting developments ahead.”