Gym funding

[dsimpson]

Just a question out of curiosity really.. how do boxing gyms fund themselves? Do they ever get help from the council? Which council department would they go to?

Or do they get funding via other means? It strikes me they do such good work for the community, I'd expect the council would want to give them funding but do they?

[Stuarty]

Some gyms are lucky enough to receive lotto funding but I'm not too sure about any involvement from local authorities. My old gym when I was a boy had to move 4 or 5 times due to rent increases etc... Councils should really do more. Obviously you have all who attend paying their dues but that alone wouldn't even cover the rent I wouldn't imagine.

[leejonesjnr]

Its a hard hard job making a boxing gym pay its own bills.

[dsimpson]

What Lotto funding do they get? What's that through?

[derry]

Have just set my own amateur club up and have had to self fund everything I charge the kids £1 a night and they get a free water , it no we're near covers the cost of rent but maybe one day the council will see myself and other parents are helping the kids in are area , 30/40 kids a night we get in all good kids just need something to do this is why I out a boxing club in my area

Cheers Derry

[Stuarty]

What Lotto funding do they get? What's that through?

You need to apply for it. There is money put aside for community sports projects. Have no idea what criteria you need to meet to qualify. The local authorities should be a bit more relaxed with rents etc... There is a community centre where I grew up that lies empty most nights and would be an ideal hall for a gym or something similar. A fellow tried to start up years ago but the fees proved too much. Surely some money is better than none.

[lillywhite14]

I remember going as a kid, plenty would turn up with no subs. As the coaches would say 'how can you turn them away?' Of course you can't.
Local club has always had funding issues, relying on local firms, sponsorship etc

[arlovski]

Have just set my own amateur club up and have had to self fund everything I charge the kids £1 a night and they get a free water , it no we're near covers the cost of rent but maybe one day the council will see myself and other parents are helping the kids in are area , 30/40 kids a night we get in all good kids just need something to do this is why I out a boxing club in my area

Cheers Derry

That's awesome Derry, great way to channel your success back into the community, honestly more admirable than winning any world title (best of luck for Saturday though )

[mickey1975]

There's three gyms in my area, one run by a big name, who gets sponsored etc, one with nowhere to train, and one with no money issues. They look after unruly kids through the day, all good as gold now... So, yes the council makes some difference. Even the coaches are on salaries. Half of the time they only take them bowling or for a walk in town...

[reggaereggae]

I think the way forward is to have carded amateurs in the evening; and during the day and say Saturday / Sunday to have open sessions for anyone who wants to get fit or just do some boxing training. That's what they do at my old club and it works well. The Saturday fitness sessions are rammo.

[DazDiCanio]

Just a question out of curiosity really.. how do boxing gyms fund themselves? Do they ever get help from the council? Which council department would they go to?

Or do they get funding via other means? It strikes me they do such good work for the community, I'd expect the council would want to give them funding but do they?

Our gym is/should be opening next month, ongoing with the council since last September! We have done crowd funding to raise initial support and it's been a great success with not only financial backing but public awareness. Clubs run fight nights which again, attract a lot of interest, hopefully leading to backing.

There are many funding options in Scotland/UK that give government and private grants but the day to day/week to week running costs shouldn't actually be that high is you prepare your club properly. Dedicated, experienced business minded volunteers are the key. Although the club may be amateur by status, it must obviously be run professionally.

Many clubs, including ours, are in somewhat deprived areas so aim for community backing rather than any sort of money making schemes. Keep it about the boxers and you won't go far wrong. Anyone can afford £5 a week even with a bit of effort.

Anyone looking for an Aberdeen club, give me a shout, everyone is very welcome.
Follow us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boxingclubaberdeen?fref=ts
And twitter @aberdeenboxing

Cheers
Daz

[rubberneck]

What Lotto funding do they get? What's that through?

You need to apply for it. There is money put aside for community sports projects. Have no idea what criteria you need to meet to qualify. The local authorities should be a bit more relaxed with rents etc... There is a community centre where I grew up that lies empty most nights and would be an ideal hall for a gym or something similar. A fellow tried to start up years ago but the fees proved too much. Surely some money is better than none.

I think that one of the issues with the Lotto funding is that any money awarded cannot be used to cover rent-it needs to be spent on equipment, training, development etc. So effectively, only clubs that are self-sufficient i.e. already covering the rent, bills etc with subs and other revenue streams can benefit.

A bit of a catch 22 situation.