Derry Mathews Snr

Hello everyone, I’m Derry. I’m a former club member and a former professional boxer.

This club has played a huge role in my life. Growing up, some of my best childhood memories were made right here — the trips we went on, the friendships we built, and the sense of belonging the club gave us. For a lot of young people, this place isn’t just a club, it’s a safe space, a second home.

As I got older and pursued my boxing career, the support from this club never stopped. The staff, the members, and the kids who are now friends for life were always behind me. They even set up a boxing room upstairs so we could train — that kind of support can change lives.

This club is a massive part of our community, and places like this only survive if people continue to support them. What happens here makes a real difference to young people, just like it did for me.

So I’d really encourage everyone — whether you’ve been involved before or not — to help support the club in any way you can. The work being done here by John and everyone else is incredible, and it’s something worth protecting. Long may it continue.