George Groves supports East London boxing club restoration

George Groves is supporting the restoration of West Ham Community Health & Boxing Club in Newham, a scheme that is giving unemployed young people the chance to gain valuable trade skills and work towards professional qualifications.

The project, delivered by social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) in partnership with Dulux, is backed by the former world champion boxer, who began his own boxing journey at a grassroots club.

Mr Groves said: "Boxing gyms like this play a huge role in young people’s lives. It did for me. They give you discipline, focus and a sense of purpose – things that stay with you long after you leave the ring.

"Seeing a club like West Ham being transformed, while also giving young people the chance to learn skills and build a future, is incredibly powerful. It’s about creating opportunities – in the ring and outside of it – and giving the next generation a real chance."

The club, which has produced champions including Nigel Benn and Kevin Lear, is being renovated by young people aged 14 to 24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Under the guidance of professional mentors, they are working towards accredited City & Guilds qualifications while helping to repaint and restore the facility.

A young member of the boxing club said: "Being part of this club has given me a real sense of belonging. It’s not just about boxing. It’s somewhere I feel supported and motivated. It’s helped me stay focused on my future and believe in what I can achieve."

One of the VIY participants, Elyse, said: "I wasn’t in work before this, and I didn’t know what direction to go in. Now I’m learning real skills and working towards qualifications.

"It’s given me confidence and made me feel like I’ve got a future."

The scheme forms part of the Dulux Let’s Colour programme, which has helped transform more than 300 community spaces across the UK since 2020 and supported more than 4,000 young people in gaining skills and employment qualifications.

Hannah Denny, communications and partnerships director at VIY, said: "Young people aren’t lacking motivation – they lack opportunity. Projects like this give them the chance to learn real skills in a real environment, build confidence and take steps towards employment."

Edward Crossan, CEO of Powerday PLC – a long-term sponsor of the boxing club – said: "As long term West Ham Boxing Club sponsors Powerday (Southwest England’s largest family-owned Waste and Recycling Company), we are pleased to be involved in this project through supporting the funding for the City and Guilds Qualifications, offering these young people lifelong skills. We are proud to be involved with delivering this Dulux community initiative."

The transformation of the West Ham Community Health & Boxing Club will help ensure it remains a key resource for the Newham community, offering a safe and supportive space for young people to stay active, build confidence, and pursue a positive future.