Newton Aycliffe Boxing coach, Les Gibson, was named in this year’s Honours List for the Queen’s Birthday in June. He will be formally presented with his British Empire Medal in the spring of 2021 by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon.
Les became a boxing coach in 1976 and a judge in 1979 whilst serving in the 15/19th King’s Royal Hussars Army. After leaving the army, with full qualifications to coach boxing, he opened a club. Times were tough and the club equipment consisted of a skipping rope, a pair of gloves and an army kit bag and lessons were held in Greenfield School gym.
The club moved to the Youth Centre in 1988 and then to Acorn House on the business park in 2012, where they still meet today. The club is open to anyone and everyone, no matter what your race, religion or physical and mental condition and the club has boasted a raft of champions every year since opening.
Aycliffe Boxing Club hold very popular classes for kid gloves group, for children up to the age of ten; junior classes for children up the age of 15 and youths plus an over 50s circuit training and boxercise class. All the coaches, led by Mr Gibson, are qualified through England Boxing Ltd and are DBS checked, first aid qualified and hold safeguarding children certificates. All staff are also unpaid volunteers.
The club are also able to offer personal training and extra lessons for those who cannot attend at the normal opening times.
Fore more information please ring 01325 313855 or find more details on the Facebook page (Aycliffe Boxing Club).
Newton News would like to record and congratulate Mr Les Gibson on his well deserved award.
