Former England boxer Gerry Lavelle has been awarded the Barclays Community Sports Award for his work supporting amateur boxers in Chichester.
The Barclays Community Sports Awards, now in its second year, give an award each month worth £1,000 throughout the football season to recognise the work of individuals who develop grassroots sport. Lavelle decided to set up his own boxing club when he moved to the Chichester area, having previously turned his hand to coaching at three clubs in South East London. He initially attracted the support of Sussex police, who donated £1,000 to get the St Gerards Amateur Boxing Club started in 2001. The club now has 35 full-time members and has contributed to dramatically reduced anti-social behaviour in the area.
Lavelle dedicates many hours a week to coaching members who range from 9 to 40 years of age. "Without organisations like Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Football Foundation and Premier League Creating Chances all supporting grassroots sport, clubs like ours would not be able to survive," he said. "The prize money will go a long way in supplying new equipment, and will allow us to redeem our affiliation with the Amateur Boxing Association."
Pundit and former international footballer Gareth Southgate, a judge on the Barclays award panel, said: "Clubs like St Gerards are known to reduce anti-social behaviour in local communities, while providing amateur sportsmen and women access to professional coaching staff and facilities."
To nominate a person or organisation for one of the Barclays awards, visit www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com
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