Young volunteers transform Lambeth boxing club – South London News

A group of 26 young volunteers have spent the last few weeks transforming a boxing club from the inside out, as part of a project to attract young people to construction.

The The Traffic Light System Boxing Club, in Vauxhall, was founded by Lambeth box trainer and carpenter, Richard Vassel, in August 2022.

Mr Vassel has been working on the club’s gym – which has been derelict for more than 20 years – for the past two years.

Last month, he enlisted the support of the community to help put the finishing touches on the club.

The group of young volunteers – who will be using the gym once it opens – have helped by sourcing and recycling construction equipment, as well as installing specialist flooring, creating seating for the boxing gym, tiling the ice baths and painting and decorating throughout the Club.

Volunteers were supported by tool suppliers Toolstation and social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) for the project.

VIY works to teach young people DIY skills and is considering a career in the building and construction industry while renovating a space they can use and benefit from.

Once opened, The Traffic Light System Boxing Club, aims to use boxing to help transform the lives of young people in the area, with regular classes for different age groups and those with special educational needs.

The project was co-funded by Lambeth council and Sport England, with the Powerday Foundation donating equipment to get the club up and running and Dulux donating the paint.

Tim Reading, chief executive at VIY, said: “This partnership is testament to our shared commitment to making a lasting impact on the community through vital grassroots sports clubs like this one, through cross-sector partnerships and growing skills and work. training for young people who are not in education, training or employment.”

Top image: Volunteers from Traffic Light System Boxing Club website (Image: Toolstation)

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