A BOXING club has laid out ambitious expansion plans to help youngsters get fighting fit after lockdown. 

Carlisle Villa Amateur Boxing Club, Currock Road, has recently put in an application to the city council to double the size of its training area to about 20sqm.

This means it will be able to put in an extra ring, training equipment and use the additional floorspace for fitness sessions. 

The club is a charity, and run by 15 volunteers who put on weekly boxing, fitness and mental health classes.

It has more than 200 members and though the club has not been able to operate during the lockdowns, Jimmy Brennan, lead coach, has been helping members stay in shape by holding daily online video training sessions on Facebook. 

Jimmy said: “This means will be able to double what we can do, we’ll be able to deal with up to 40 boxers who are training competitively.

But when children start using the facilities again we should be able to accommodate about 50. 

“At the moment we are relying on getting grants for what we want to do.

“We are self funded and only really charge the minimum in terms of membership.

“It gives people discipline, self respect, confidence and would obviously help in issues like obesity.

“It’s an independent sport where people are able to compete against people of similar sizes and ability.” 

According to the design and access statement, which has been submitted to the council: "The club is a much needed and highly successful.

“It promotes Carlisle at a national level in boxing. 

“Over the year’s boxers representing Carlisle and the club have gone on to win National Competitions. 

“Membership numbers of boxers have increased over the years which is excellent for the club however we are now unable to accommodate everyone.

“Although the club is predominately for boxing over the past few years, we have opened up the facilities to help improve general fitness and mental health in the local community. 

“The classes are free and supported by a local company. These classes have proved extremely successful but unfortunately again we are running out of space.”

For more information, or to make a donation to the club, go online to: www.facebook.com/Carlisle-Villa-Amateur-Boxing-Club