Woodstock Boxing and Sport Club welcomes youth in new space
“The kids here, I don’t know what’s in the water. They want to compete,” said Neil Campbell, head coach at Woodstock’s Boxing and Sport Club (WBSC).
Campbell used to serve in law enforcement in Halifax. Towards the end of his career there, he worked in gang intervention and restorative justice. Back then, he dreamed of a gym that would become a safe, welcoming space for any kid who wanted to learn to box.
Campbell moved to Woodstock 12 years ago. It was seven years ago that the Woodstock Boxing Club began in a small room at the AYR Motor Centre. Since then, interest has grown enough that they needed a larger space to train. Last April, the club found its new home at 162 Houlton Road, underneath the Valley Food Bank.
“In the seven years that we’ve been doing it, we’ve not turned one kid away from training,” Campbell beamed. “At the youth program, it’s shocking to even me how many kids are actually training.”
Around 17 youth are currently registered, including some under 12. WBSC focuses heavily on promoting youth boxing, while other gyms in the province tend to lean more towards fitness-based boxing.
“Our youth program is distinct in Atlantic Canada,” explained Campbell. “Youth, I’m considering 15 and under, we have more numbers registered than all gyms combined in New Brunswick.”
For example, he mentioned a 10-year-old boy who has been training with them for the past three years. He started at the gym not long after moving to Canada from Ukraine. He has loved the gym so much that he would be there training every single day of the week if it were open. He is currently registered to compete in the Brampton Cup in Brampton, Ontario.
The club also boasts other talented members training there, including one ranked fourth in Canada in the lightweight division. Other members include Josh Melvin, a multiple national silver and gold medalist; Serenity Grant, a national silver medalist; and Brody Paul, a bronze medalist.
Head coach Campbell and two other coaches operate the gym Monday to Friday and occasionally on Saturdays, offering everything from coaching to seniors’ afternoon classes and women’s fitness classes.
They’ve taken their youth team to competitions in Boston, Montreal, and Halifax so far and are looking forward to doing even more in the future.
This year, they’re also aiming to host three local events. They spoke with the District of Carleton North Tourism, proposing a professional and amateur event in May. They’re also hoping to do another event during Woodstock’s Old Home Week.
Campbell expressed gratitude to all the people and organizations that have supported the club over the years. From members of the community, like the principal of the Woodstock High School and Sgt. Shaun Kimball, who will recommend youth to the club’s program that they feel would benefit.
He also attributes the club’s success to its partnerships with Woodstock First Nations Child and Family Services and Tobique First Nations, as well as the Woodstock Rotary Club, whose recent $10,000 donation will allow upwards of 20 kids unlimited training.
Campbell also thanked the many individuals who showed their support by opening their cheque books or helping to guide and encourage him along the way.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today if not for, in particular, Jill [Dunnet], because she was adamant that I was going to do it,” said Campbell when he addressed the Jan. 13 Woodstock Town Council meeting at the AYR Motor Centre.
“They believed in the mission and supported us. We wouldn’t have a gym if not for the staff here.”
While Campbell loves the new location, he said ongoing costs are a particular challenge.
“What we make goes to rent,” Campbell explained.
Eventually, with enough support, he hopes to have the financial security to be able to not only support the club in its current location but also always know that they will be able to sign their members up for competitions, knowing that they can pay for it without it having to come out of the volunteers’ own pockets. To do that, they rely heavily on donations.
Members of the Town Council were encouraging and thanked him for his hard work.
Councillor Julie Calhoun-Williams said that she had attended some of the club’s women’s fitness classes and looked forward to attending more in the new space. Mayor Trina Jones said she was happy to hear of his success, especially regarding youth participation, citing the club’s work as filling a need in the community.
“I think you’re doing a great job with it. I hear lots of positives around the community,” Councillor Will Belyea praised. “I’m at Woodstock High School. I know a few guys that are members. You’re providing an avenue for a lot of kids. A safe spot for them to come.”
For more information, you can visit the Woodstock Boxing and Sport Club Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Woodstock-Boxing-and-Sport-Club/100075922017248
