Reviving a Community Hub
Dale Gaucas is on a mission to revive a boxing club in Rochdale’s Darnhill estate, ten years after the original facility was lost to a fire. This entrepreneur, who has dedicated a decade to this cause, dreams of establishing a community hub that would revive the spirit of the neighborhood he grew up in. Unfortunately, this effort has been marred by acts of vandalism against the building set to house the new club, which he finds disheartening, especially given the backdrop of deprivation in the area.
The Impact of the Original Club
The Darnhill and Heywood Amateur Boxing Club, which once thrived before its destruction in 2015, played a crucial role in Gaucas’s own life, transforming him from a troubled youth into a successful businessman. He recalls how, at 12, he struggled with his literacy and found guidance in the coaches at the club who steered him away from crime. Now 44, he reflects on the heart of the estate being lost with the club’s closure, alongside other local institutions like schools and pubs, leading to a disconnection within the community.
Funding and Community Support
So far, Gaucas has managed to raise £300,000 towards the new facility, but further funding of £220,000 is needed to fully equip it for public use. Recently, Rochdale Council pledged £20,000 to help with new security shutters for the site, but Gaucas and his team have resorted to nocturnal patrols to fend off further vandalism in the interim.
Future Plans for the Boxing Club
The future boxing club aims to feature diverse facilities, including educational classrooms and rooms geared to assist individuals with special educational needs, serving as a potential lifeline for local youth. Gaucas states emphatically that establishing this club is essential for rekindling community spirit in Darnhill.
Coaching and Community Engagement
Danny Randall, a former professional boxer, will head the coaching staff upon the club’s opening. He shares concerns about the lack of constructive activities for children in the area, noting a recent sports camp that attracted 60 participants, highlighting the demand for such programs.
Support from Organizations
The initiative has garnered support from organizations like Matchroom, which emphasizes the transformative impact boxing clubs can have in underserved regions. Alex Le Guevel, leading community development at Matchroom, insists that these clubs provide more than just a training venue; they are vital for fostering youth confidence, discipline, and community cohesion.
Community Commitment
Councillor Angela Brown, chair of the Heywood Township Committee, concurs on the importance of boxing clubs in promoting social interaction and improving well-being within the community. The council is committed to backing the club as it strives to become a vital community resource, focusing on revitalization and support for local youth initiatives.
Conclusion
As Gaucas continues to seek the final pieces of funding to make his vision a reality, the support from the community and local authorities becomes increasingly crucial to restoring pride and hope to Darnhill.
