AFTER years of struggle the future of Penarth Amateur Boxing Club is looking better than ever.

Thanks to the support of local businessman Vincent Price, of Price Builders Properties, the club has moved forward after a bitter struggle with the Vale Council over it's former home, St Paul's Church.

Neil Munn, a coach at the club, said that without the help of Mr Price there would be no Penarth ABC today.

"There are a group of kids that come boxing every Saturday to Penath ABC's academy, which is for kids that want to learn all about the morals principles and respect that come hand in hand with boxing," he said.

"Oh, and we don't forget the fitness!"

Neil teaches the kids all of this and more. In the academy there is no sparring as they cant have contact until they are older than 10, but everything Neil teaches them puts them in good stead for the contact.

Frankie Strinato, who started in the academy when he was seven years of age, has proven this by winning his second Welsh title this year.

Neil hopes that in years to come there will be a few more to come through the academy as well.

"Even if there isn’t we would have taught these kids things that will stay with them for the rest of their lives," he said.

"Next week we will be showing the Penarth Times readers all the schoolboy, youth, senior and girl boxers coming through. All aspiring to better themselves in every aspect of their lives."

These are very happy times for club coach Neil Munn, who has been involved in the club for 43 years as a schoolboy, youth, senior and professional boxer and now as a coach. When asked Neil said it is all down to having a good comittee helping him and Vincent Price for providing a facility they can use for a gym. Onwards and upwards for Penarth ABC from now on as they close the door on St Paul's Church.

Penarth ABC would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people in Penarth and the community for their help and encouragement they have shown in keeping the club going.

Boxing club times

Over 10 +

Monday 4.45pm to 6pm

Wednesday 4.45pm to 6pm

Friday 4.45pm to 6pm

Under 8

Saturday 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Over 8

Saturday 1.30pm to 2.30pm