Sports Minister Stuart Andrew MP visits Bury Defence Academy

England Boxing’s Head of Operations Avoen Perryman met with the Government’s Sports Minister Stuart Andrew MP at the Bury Defence Academy yesterday.

They were joined by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Boxing Joint Chair James Daly MP and Les Potts of the BBBoC to discuss how amateur boxing can be developed moving forward.

Those present also had the opportunity to look at an amateur club in action as they were welcomed by Iftikhar Ahmed, charity manager for the academy that hosts Bury ABC in their facility.

The club and academy deliver a wide range of community engagement projects including free of charge sessions in partnership with the local Violence Reduction Unit to help keep young people away from a life of crime.

They also stage outreach sessions at local schools, women’s-only sessions and work experience for disengaged young people.

The Sports Minister was keen to learn about the club’s good work at engaging disadvantaged communities in the wake of the recent debate in the House Of Commons on the subject of boxing and social mobility.

With the new the Government’s new Sports Strategy being drafted at present, this was an opportunity to showcase grassroots amateur boxing and make the case for its specific inclusion.

“I just want to thank the club and Ifti for hosting us,” said Perryman. “It was a pleasure to meet the team and hear about the positive work they are delivering in the Bury community.

“I’d also like to express my thanks to James Daly MP for organising the meeting, and the Sports Minister for making the journey to meet with us and discuss how we can work to develop the sport of amateur boxing together.”

Find out more about Bury Defence Academy on its Instagram page by clicking here.