Unity Boxing Celebrates Four Years of Fostering Community
In Rawmarsh, a boxing gym known as Unity Boxing is celebrating its four-year anniversary and has a crucial mission: to foster unity among young individuals from a multitude of backgrounds, especially following the violent events that transpired during the summer riots in 2024. Coaches Atif Shafiq and Abdul Magid, both alumni of the prestigious Brendan Ingle’s training, founded the non-profit club to counter the divisive atmosphere caused by a series of riots in Rotherham and its neighboring regions.
Addressing the Aftermath of the Riots
The recent disturbances, particularly outside the Holiday Inn in Manvers, left over 100 individuals, many from Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster, facing legal repercussions. Among them were a significant number of youths, aged 13 to 17, who were assigned referral orders rather than more severe punishments. In the wake of this turmoil, Unity Boxing’s leadership has emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and safe refuge for young people during such challenging times.
“Unity is our central theme,” explains Coach Shafiq, highlighting the diverse makeup of their young members, which includes individuals from various backgrounds such as Travellers, families with African heritage, Pakistanis, and local English youth.
He was inspired to start the gym after spending a decade training under Ingle’s guidance, where champions from different walks of life trained together, fostering camaraderie and respect.
Open Conversations and Community Engagement
The conversation around the riots has also sparked essential discussions among the coaches and their trainees. Coach Mateen Razak mentions addressing the issue directly with the youths:
“We brought them in during the riots to have open conversations. We wanted them to know that we’re here to listen and answer any questions they might have about faith or any misunderstandings,” he stated.
Razak, a Muslim, shared that he’s faced prejudice himself, facing looks and inquiries that challenge his belonging in his community.
Positive Impact on Youth
Young participants, like 14-year-old Kaya Odemis, a frequent attendee, describe the gym as a positive environment:
“Look at all the flags in the gym. We have representatives from Congo, Yemen, Somalia, England, and more—we’re all part of the same community here. This place really transforms those who may have acted out in the past,” he noted, reflecting on the discipline boxing teaches them.
Meanwhile, Harley Saeed, 19, who has faced challenges in school behavior and attended multiple institutions, emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere of Unity Boxing, where everyone, regardless of their background, is encouraged to participate.
Success Stories and Future Aspirations
Success stories are emerging from Unity Boxing, including Sonnyboy Hughes, who recently became a champion at the England Boxing National Development level and has aspirations of joining the Great Britain boxing team. Hughes believes deeply in the camaraderie formed within the gym walls, underscoring the idea that despite external chaos, training together fosters mutual respect and community spirit.
Conclusion
Overall, the commitment of Unity Boxing to inclusivity and its proactive stance on using sport as a healing tool highlights the role of community organizations in addressing societal issues and fostering hope among the youth of Rotherham and beyond.
