Western Counties and TTW to pay 2020-21 affiliation fees

The Western Counties and Tyne, Tees and Wear regional associations of England Boxing have announced they will be paying their member clubs’ affiliation fees for the 2020-21 season in a bid to lessen the financial impact of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Clubs across the country are facing issues because of a lack of income while gyms are closed in order to meet the government’s social distancing rules.

This measure – which amounts to £110 per club – hopes to help offset the drop in revenue from members’ subs and shows that have been unable to take place.

There are 81 active clubs in the Tyne, Tees and Wear region and 85 in Western Counties who will benefit.

“The Western Counties is split into five divisions and I have spoken to the secretary in each who are unanimously in favour of doing this to help clubs,” said Western Counties secretary Mike Hemming.

“It is a helping hand at a time when clubs haven’t been able to pull in their usual income and will welcome any help we can give them.

“We have kept some of our funds for a rainy day – and I think this is a rainy day. It’s a way of showing clubs that that the support is still there for them and things are still happening behind the scenes.”

Tyne Tees and Wear secretary Phil Hattan added: “There is a shortfall of money at this time because of Covid-19 and we want to make sure our clubs get the best possible start next season.

“With the Championship season hopefully restarting in September, there are not going to be as many slots available for clubs to run shows and raise revenues.

“We are glad to be in a position to give something back to the clubs and help them through what is a difficult time.”

England Boxing confirmed in early April it was halving club affiliation fees from £220 to £110 for the new 2020-21 season – which will be delayed until at least September – for those clubs who were registered or had a registration pending in 2019-20.

It will also be offering a 50% discount for individual boxers memberships (£5.50, down from £11) and official and coach memberships (£11, down from £22) – again for those who were members this season.

England Boxing’s Membership Services Manager, Lynette Mayo, described the move by the two regional associations to pay club affiliation fees as a ‘terrific gesture’.

She added: “This will mean a lot to the clubs in these regions. By having this fee paid the clubs have the peace of mind that they are affiliated to the National Governing Body for amateur boxing, which will give them access to benefits and support that comes with this affiliation.”