BARRHEAD Amateur Boxing Club has received a welcome boost with the backing of two businesses to the tune of £1,500.

John Gibson of Howdens Joinery, a long time supporter and sponsor of the club, has once again boosted the Barrhead ABC’s coffers with £500 The club also received a cheque for £1,000 from Claire Ronnie of Asda superstore in Newton Mearns.

This money has helped purchase equipment and clothing for the club members and was greatly needed to open extra hours for youth boxers.

Barrhead ABC head coach Mark Breslin was delighted with the support at an important time for the club as it explores the possibility of having its own premises.

He said: “Coaches Graham Thomson and Brian Peacock are working wonders with the future champions and they have worked tirelessly to build up the grassroots of the club and I can promise you the future of the club is very promising with the young prospects, many of whom are ready to enter the competitive ring this year.

“Without the support of these businesses the club would not be able to keep the prices down at £1. We want to ensure that the club doors are open and accessible to all members of the community. We are also in consultation with the East Renfrewshire Council to possibly get our own premises.

“The club celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and getting our own premises would set us up to provide boxing as a sport for both competitive and non competitive keep fit members of the community for the foreseeable future.

He added: “First and foremost Barrhead Boxing Club is for boxing.

“However we are more than a club, building confidence and developing self esteem in not only the children of the community from all cultures and backgrounds but also the adults in the area.”