Concrete Canvas Boxing Gym in Jordanthorpe is raising aspirations of children from the neighbourhood by providing subsidised boxing masterclass sessions this summer thanks to funding from Chantry tenants and residents association.

Activities during the summer holidays are much lower down the priority list for many families due to the cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on the finances for parents who are struggling to keep food on the table, fuel in the car and energy running in the home due to soaring costs.

Donald Gwindi, is co-owner of Concrete Canvas along with Liam Walsh, which launched in 2020 at the Jordanthorpe shopping precinct on Dyche Lane, commented: “There is little to do for children around here and their parents are facing challenging financial pressures to provide the basics, so we were delighted to be able to provide subsidised classes to help whilst families are struggling.

“We’ve been absolutely inundated and every class we’ve put on is full. We’ve also had compliments from residents and other shopkeepers in the area that there has been a reduction in anti-social behaviour since we have been here.”

The boxing gym is also working with local schools, supporting their vulnerable children during term time, and hosts a variety of sessions throughout the week including a ladies’ class amongst training amateur fighters and Donald and his colleagues have ambitions of training a future world champion.

Concrete Canvas currently train professional boxers Nicolie Campbell, Levi Kinsiona, Luis Palmer, and Harrison Hobson and Johnny Nelson, Sunny Edwards and Junior Witter have all visited the gym.

Louise said: “The set up at Concrete Canvas is fantastic and really provides a sense of belonging and focus for young people across the estate.

“The classes are helping to increase the confidence and provide inspiration for children, many of whom are lacking opportunities to engage in their favourite activities through no fault of their own. The gym is quickly becoming a huge community asset for the area, and I look forward to seeing their continued progress.”

In August, my office is helping local sports groups and organisations get access to funding for grass roots sports clubs across the Sheffield Heeley constituency. You can get in touch for more information by emailing louise.haigh.mp@parliament.uk. To book a session you can follow and contact Concrete Canvas on Instagram @concretecanvas1.