A BOXING club in Matchborough is aiming to pack a punch when it comes to opening up the sport to everyone.

Redditch Community Amateur Boxing Club (RCABC) boast the double remit of coaching the amateur stars of tomorrow as well as encouraging social change and community integration.

The club had five amateurs fighting last season and as they prepare for the 2015-16 campaign, head coach Sarah Lee and her staff are hoping to increase that number with more local fighters.

Their welcoming home in Matchborough Centre, the club's permanent base for 18 months, RCABC's well-equipped gym exudes positivity, from the dozens of motivational posters to the friendly and welcoming approach of the eight-strong coaching team.

"We try to create a positive atmosphere for the fighters, we don't tell the what they can't do, we tell them what they can," said Lee.

"It's all about generating a friendly family atmosphere and a great spirit at the club where everyone supports each other.

"Sport is a great way of teaching life skills for people of any age.

"Bringing them together in a positive mental mind frame as well as physical is really important."

Running three squad boxing sessions each week, the club's first season had young fighters, such as St Augustine's pupil Leo Fanthome and Richard Bennett, produce some impressive displays.

Lee added: "We focus on the competitive side, which is the amateur boxing, where we are governed by England Boxing and that's an important part of encouraging people into the sport.

"The community aspect is really important to us as well. Having people come in and engage in different activities and voluntary work is a special part of what we do."

As well as this, the club also runs popular zumba, jui jitsu, thai boxing and circuit training sessions, as well as ladies boxing classes and sessions for six to 14 year olds.

And to help breakaway from the image of traditional spit and sawdust boxing club's, RCABC boasts a family room.

"We are always looking for activities which fit in with our ethos," commented the coach.

"We have had a few false starts but like any new business you grow from the bottom up and we are at the point where we are establishing true Redditch boxers, people who started here and are competing."

The club is also looking for a skilled volunteer with experience in business management and fund raising. Anyone interested can call call Lee on 07541 133844.