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A SUCCESSFUL community sports club, aimed at bringing Walsall youngsters and police closer together, was branded a ‘knockout’ during a visit by the Chief Constable.

The region’s most senior police officer paid a visit to Walsall Police Amateur Boxing Club on Wednesday ( 21 August) to see the initiative − the brainchild of a local cop - in action.

Equipped with boxing pads, Chief Constable Chris Sims entered the ring and was given the chance to practice with a young boxing enthusiast.

During his visit the Chief also spoke to young boxers and the club’s coaches, who are all volunteers. And he was so impressed with the club and the enthusiasm of its members Chris Sims happily entered the boxing ring, sporting boxing gloves and swift footwork, and began sparring with one of the coaches.

PC Alan Poole, who helped to set up the club over 12 months ago, said: "I invited the Chief to visit the club to see how popular it has become. I introduced him to some of the young boxers as well as the coaches, when he asked if he could have a go at sparring with the coach.

"He proceeded to spar for a few minutes and was a great sport. He really understood what we are trying to achieve here at the club and was very supportive."

After his visit to the Brownhills-based club, Chief Constable Chris Sims paid tribute to the dedicated work of its organisers. "I was delighted to be asked to visit the club, which is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers," he said.

"Police officers train at the centre and through their interaction with the club this helps to break down the barriers between the police and young people. I was thoroughly impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication shown and wish the club continued success".

Launched last November, Walsall Police Amateur Boxing Club was originally the brain child of Willenhall boxer Shaun Hargreaves, whose vision was to create an amateur boxing club and fitness centre that could be enjoyed by the local community and the police who serve Walsall.

It has a simple philosophy - to bring communities together to improve fitness, break down barriers between police and young people, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and provide a place for members of the public to meet and train in a safe and secure environment.

Since it opened, some nine months ago, it has attracted regular members of all ages and backgrounds and continues to pack a punch in the local community.

The club, situated on the Maybrook Industrial Estate, Maybrook Road, Walsall Wood, Brownhills is open to the general public (age 10 upwards) on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 6.00pm to 8.30pm. At weekends the club is open from 12 noon until 4pm.