A new fundraising campaign has been set up – to help a sports club founded in Rawthorpe 15 years ago.

Rawthorpe Boxing Club was formed in 1998 and in the early years ran from within the former high school at Rawthorpe.

The club was formed by Mark Reynolds who in the beginning ran three sessions per week in an attempt to teach young children within the surrounding areas the art and discipline required to box. Over the years the club has grown and found more suitable premises within the Gas Works club off Leeds road.

Now they have launched a £10,000 fundraising appeal to continue their development.

Reynolds said: “We are trying to raise funds to purchase much-needed equipment for the gym and equipment to form a portable gym, so we can go out into our community and engage with more so to help our community further”.

The club has over the years formed successful links with a variety of agencies and schools, as well as having boxers competing around the UK and abroad in Denmark, Cyprus and the Seychelle Islands.

The links include Almondbury High School, the Netherhall Campus at Rawthorpe, Fartown High School, the University of Huddersfield, the Probation Service and West Yorkshire Police.

They have also been working with youngsters at Rowley Lane School in Lepton and Dalton School.

Reynolds said: “Boxing is a very well organised sport which requires dedication from all involved which includes the trainers and boxers who all aspire to become good boxers.

“Our club is run by a small number of volunteers who over the years have dedicated time and effort to give all boys, girls and women who come through the front doors our knowledge and advice to not only box but to lead healthier lives.

“It is fair to say that some that have over the years come to the boxing club on occasions have been on the verge of becoming tangled in less than desirable activities including anti social behaviour and crime.

“We have shown patience and belief with these individuals that through our boxing methods we can overcome these very challenging issues and turn these individuals into better members of our community.

“So they learn to value and respect others more appropriately,” he said.