Newarthill’s MPs are used to political scraps - but on a visit to the village’s boxing club they saw for themselves the great work that the sport does with young people.
Labour’s Pamela Nash and Frank Roy were shown how volunteers are helping people get fit through training opportunities as well as providing lessons for those who wish to take up sparring.
And they met young Stephanie Kernachan who destroyed her opponent in the woman’s 51kg final at last year’s Scottish junior championships.
Ms Nash said: “I was very impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the board members of the club. They are doing a really great job working with young people, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds. I think the club deserves all the help it can get and I will be supporting any funding applications it makes.
“It was great to meet Steph Kernachan, who is currently Scottish champion at her weight. Steph’s success clearly shows that this club can nurture and develop talent, which is all the more reason for it to be supported. Steph was the first female member of the club. Encouragingly, more and more girls and young women are now joining the club.”
The team at Newarthill Boxing Club also wanted to make clear their need for funding to the politicians, both to refurbish the gym and for running costs. Ms Nash and Mr Roy represent different parts of Newarthill as their constituency boundary runs through the village.
Mr Roy said: “This club is doing a great job working with young people, improving their fitness, building their self-confidence and instilling a sense of discipline. It was clear to me that the volunteers care deeply about the work they do in the club and the positive contribution they are making to their community. I firmly believe that this club deserves all the support it can get from funding agencies and I am sure that there are other local voluntary groups who can provide some assistance to the club.”
The club has around 80 members and about half attend just for training. It is run entirely by volunteers who help build confidence and pride in young people and make a real difference in improving their health.
Club coach Stevie Newns said: “It was good that Peter, Frank and Pamela took the time to visit us and see for themselves the good work that we do in the community. It is clear that getting young people involved in boxing can improve their health and build self-confidence and respect for others. We are a club with a social conscience but now we really need some help with funding if we are to continue to offer this service to our community.”
Councillor Peter Nolan said: “Club members approached me some time ago for help with funding applications as the gym badly needs work done on it. It is clear the club does excellent work in encouraging young people to do something positive with their lives.
“I am determined to help the club get the funding they need to continue this excellent work.”
Ms Nash added: “We listened to the problems they are facing in obtaining funding to run the club and, importantly, to refurbish the building.
“I am pleased that Councillor Nolan gave a commitment to contact the relevant officers in the council.”