The news of a boxing club with an almost 50-year history throwing in the towel has been met with an outpouring of love.
Sheerness Boxing Club, which has coached thousands of youngsters, is holding its last session today (September 30).
Sheerness Boxing Club is closing after a decline in participation
It was founded in 1977 by Colin O’Bray at the Dockyard Church in Blue Town and later taken over by Joe Schembri. When he retired, it was run by Sean Baker and Danny Williams.
Steve Brum, 51, got involved in the club when his son Joshua, now 32, wanted to get into boxing.
The dad of two, whose other son Liam, 26, also boxed, took on the club when Sean stepped away.
Over the next 23 years, he coached hundreds of young people, including pro-boxers Dave Jones, Martin McDonagh and Tyrone King.
But fewer people have been coming through the doors of Unit 5A in Regis Industrial Estate to box, leading Steve to decide to close the club.
The engineer, who has been in the sport since he was eight, said: “Over the last couple of years there just wasn’t the interest to keep the club going.
“We had about 10 to 15 regulars but even they have grown up and got jobs so they couldn’t compete.
“There isn’t the demand for boxing as there had been. There are other fighting sports like MMA that kids want to get into.
“So I think it was just time for us to say goodbye.
“I got a lot of enjoyment out of it. I got a lot out of seeing the kids enjoying it and getting them into championships.
Steve Brum has run Sheerness Boxing Club for 23 yearsSteve Brum with now-pro boxer Martin McDonagh in 2009Tryone King, from Sittingbourne, is one of the pro-boxers who has come out of Sheerness Boxing Club
“We’ve had quite a few Kent champions and Southern Counties champions so we’ve had success. We also helped absolutely loads of young people.”
After giving up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, Steve, who lives in Queenborough, says he is looking forward to spending some more time with his family and relaxing.
He added: “Without a doubt, I will miss it. Boxing has been most of my life.
“Never say never about coming back, but at the moment I’m looking forward to some family life and chilling out.”
When Steve took to social media to tell people that the club was closing, the news was met with an outpouring of love.
Pro-boxers Anelle Massey and Dave Jones, pictured in 2015, both trained at Sheerness Boxing ClubChris Brum, Steve Brum, boxer Tyler Verdenik, and Josh Brum at the National Development Championships
Anelle Massey, who trained at the club and went on to be a pro boxer, said: “This is such sad news. I wouldn’t have got where I did with my boxing career without starting off with you guys.
“[You put in] endless amounts of hours into us all for years. Grateful for all the memories we had!”
Danny Williams said: “Steve, I know too well what it takes to run that club, the time and dedication that you put in for just the love of the sport, and to give back to the kids.
“But it definitely comes with its challenges, mate, and sometimes it’s amazing what you get back, but sometimes it makes you wonder, why do I bother.
“You all have done an amazing job, and be proud of what you’ve all put back in mate.
Steve Brum coaching at Sheerness Boxing ClubSheerness Boxing Club coach Steve Brum with boxer Jake Stevenson, coach Hollie Stevenson and coach and boxer Dillan PortchSheerness Boxing Club at The Manchester Box Cup
“Well done to all that’s been involved, and enjoy your family and spare time mate.”
Maria Lougheed added: “Steve, you’re one in a million. Your passion for the club and your support for our Harvey growing up through those tricky teenage years made such a difference to him.
“Without you, I’m not sure what he would have done.
“We all have so much respect for you. Thank you for all your hard work over the years.”