After years of hard work the roof is now on at Charlie Malarkey’s New Earswick Boxing (KO) for Kindness which is being built on the outskirts of the city.
On Thursday (March 5) the community came together for a topping out ceremony attended by both the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley and the elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith.
Charlie Malarkey with David Skaith, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Martin Rowley and Simon Malarkey , the vice-chair of New Earswick Sports Club (Image: Haydn Lewis)
Mr Skaith is contributing £50,000 from his Community Buildings Programme and £15,000 from the Police Community Fund to the build which is well underway on the outskirts of the city.
The venue at New Earswick Sports Club, which aims to get people off the streets and give them a purpose in life, is now close to being complete.
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Charlie said: “This building is proof that sport brings community together. We have people who have got jobs through this project because they have turned up and got involved.
“The roof going on means the building is now water-tight and we still have about £25,000 to raise finish things off.
“It will be a well-being hub with boxing being the focus, but it will be catering for mental health as well as a GP to look after physical health.”
Mr Skaith said: “This is very much for the community and it’s been built by the community.
“It’s been born out of not only a need, but of the community coming together and that’s why it’s going to be an amazing facility.”
Charlie Malarkey with David Skaith at New Earswick Boxing (KO) for Kindness (Image: Haydn Lewis)
On the day Anne Smith from the York Gild of Butchers, which has been helping organisations in York for more than 800 years delivered another cheque for Charlie and the team.
“We have been supporting people in York since 1271, but not me personally you understand!” said Anne.
“A lot of our work is with young people who are struggling and need this kind of facility and mentorship.”
Last year organisers have launched a Knives Down Gloves Up campaign to encourage youngsters to take up boxing rather than carrying knives.
Adam Stead managing director at ADS Scaffolding has been helping Charlie with every stage of the build.
He said: “It’s to encourage young people to pick up some boxing gloves instead of carrying knives – instead of potentially taking someone’s life away and ruining your own.”
Charlie has worked for the Salvation Army for 17 years and leads its early intervention and prevention team in York.
After years of hard work the roof is now on at Charlie Malarkey’s New Earswick Boxing (KO) for Kindness (Image: Haydn Lewis)
Former pro boxer Jamie Warters will be helping with coaching when the club is up and running and has said he can’t wait for the doors to open.
Charlie said: “The police have been in touch with me and said they have kids as young as 11 who are desperate for it to open.
“No one is making a bean out if this, it’s a charity working for the community.”
Anyone who thinks they can help in any way, please contact Charles.Malarkey@salvationarmy.org.uk or phone 07712443163.
An aerial view of the new community hub site before building work got underway next to the existing sports club (Image: Supplied)