A BOXING club founded to help change the lives of young people has expanded after securing a £10,100 grant.

Seconds Out Boxing Academy was awarded the money from Sport England after completing Box On, a programme run by Sport for Development charity Sported and England Boxing to support the growth of amateur boxing clubs.

As part of the programme, Seconds Out has been given bespoke training and one-to-one mentor support from Sported to build a business plan and help the club expand within the local community.

The funding has been used to buy treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines and a range of weights which have already attracted more than a dozen new members.

Paul Eddy, founder and secretary at Seconds Out in Ferryhill, said: “The funding has gave our academy a fantastic opportunity to take things to the next level.

“It offers our competitive boxers the best facility in the area to enhance their training and fitness levels and also encourages more people in the community to engage in fitness and exercise.

“Some of our new members may not be boxing enthusiasts, some just come in to use the treadmill or weight equipment. It’s showing how we as a community can promote fitness.”

Emily Burns, of Sported, added: “Amateur boxing clubs like Seconds Out Boxing Academy are vital assets for their communities and provide life-changing opportunities for the young people that come through its door.

“We are delighted that Seconds Out could benefit from our Box On programme.”

Seconds Out, based in Ferryhill Community Hub, is open to all Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am till 2pm.

The boxing academy is open daily from 5pm till 7pm. Contact 07767-872210 or secondsouteddy@aol.co.uk