Empowering Change: The Transformative Journey of Bletchley Boxing Community Hub

Since its establishment in 2006 as Bletchley Amateur Boxing Club, the Bletchley Boxing Community Hub has grown into a vital pillar of community strength, promoting personal growth and development through boxing. Founded by Head Coach and Chief Operating Officer Kevin McCarthy, the organisation has not only trained champions but has profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of young people in Milton Keynes. Originally starting in Bletchley, the hub is now housed in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art boxing gym in Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes.

Bletchley Boxing Community Hub began as a volunteer-run amateur boxing club and quickly became integral to the local community by fostering strong relationships and social capital among the youth. The club’s impact then expanded significantly with the introduction of the Boxing Clever initiative by a Milton Keynes police officer in 2019, which dramatically reduced antisocial behaviour, proving the power of sport as a transformative tool for social change.

The amateur club is a highly successful England Boxing-affiliated club, known for its significant achievements in competitions. The gym is fortunate to have many experienced, qualified coaches who have volunteered thousands of hours of their time over the last 18 years, dedicating themselves to supporting young people. This robust coaching and volunteer support have been fundamental in enabling the club to reach and maintain high standards of competitive success and community involvement.

With a lifelong dedication to the sport, Kevin McCarthy has been the driving force behind BABC’s success for 18 years. A former professional Southern Area Welterweight Champion, Kevin boasts a remarkable track record both inside and outside the ring. His passion for boxing led him to become an experienced England Boxing Level 2 coach, where he has been instrumental in nurturing the development of our young boxers’ physical and mental abilities. Kevin’s commitment to success ensures that every member receives top-tier training and support to achieve their goals, making Bletchley Boxing Community Hub a beacon of excellence in sports and youth development.

The hub has since received several notable recognitions and awards for its efforts. Kevin McCarthy was commended by the TVP Area Commander for his dedication to reducing gang culture and violent crime. CEO Claire Byrne shared our strategies for violence reduction at the regional Violence Reduction Through the Power of Sport Event, and the hub has been honoured with the prestigious High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Award for its valuable community services and our dedication to empowering young people. Additionally, Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman visited the hub alongside the Police Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber and commended the hub’s efforts against knife crime and youth violence.

The recognition of Coach Sadie with the StreetGames ‘Us Girls’ Impact Award marks a significant milestone in promoting equality and increasing female participation in boxing. Sadie’s inspiring journey from being a boxer to becoming one of the country’s youngest Level 2 England Boxing coaches – and notably, as a female in a traditionally male-dominated sport highlights the inclusive ethos of our hub. Her work has not only advanced the representation of women in boxing but also actively encouraged more girls and women to engage in the sport. Sadie’s efforts exemplify our commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where all members, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the sport’s growth. Her achievements are a testament to the power of role models in sports and the importance of breaking barriers to foster inclusivity and empowerment.

In April 2024, Bletchley Boxing Community Hub transitioned into a charitable organisation, furthering its mission to empower youth. In partnership with the national boxing charity Empire Fighting Chance, we deliver the Box Champions programme, and feature in their Impact Report. These partnerships are crucial as they provide structured frameworks and additional resources that enhance our ability to serve the community effectively.

Bletchley Boxing Community Hub is a hub for everyone, committed to inclusivity and holistic development. We offer sessions for competitive training affiliated with England Boxing, tailored sessions for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities, one-to-one and small group intervention programmes, and group sessions focusing on improving physical fitness and mental health and wellbeing.

Referrals to our programmes come from a broad network including parents, schools, mental health services, and youth organisations. We maintain close links with schools, alternative education providers, Thames Valley Police, various charities, and mental health services to ensure our programmes are accessible and meet the diverse needs of our community.

For more information on the services we offer and how to get involved, head to our website at bbch.org.uk or email us at hello@bbch.org.uk. We are dedicated to supporting each individual’s journey and providing a supportive and empowering environment for all.

Through sustained dedication and a commitment to excellence, Bletchley Boxing Community Hub continues to transform lives, proving that with the right support and opportunities, young people can achieve great things.