Josh wants to use boxing to provide a positive influence on Melton's youngsters
Josh Quailey is a man on a mission – he wants to produce champions at his new Melton Mowbray amateur boxing club but, more importantly, he wants to provide a place to give children and young people a focus and somewhere to channel their energies.
His fitness centre, The Unit, was initially based under the railway arches on Burton Street but Josh has now moved it across town to the Thorpe Road Industrial Estate.
The gym and exercise sessions for adults are still a big part of the enterprise with members and casual users able to take part in group and individual fitness sessions.
But he has also now registered a new amateur boxing club with the England Boxing national governing body and he aims to coach youngsters and adults for competitions or just to keep fit.
Josh was a talented heavyweight boxer who competed for England and fought in the prestigious national ABA finals and he credits the sport with giving him crucial guidance in his own life as a young man.
After the new boxing club was officially opened by Mayor of Melton, Councillor Siggy Atherton, yesterday (Friday), Josh told the Melton Times: “The club is already attracting a strong number of local children and teenagers.
"Our aim is not only to develop future amateur champions, but also to provide young people in Melton with structure, discipline, confidence, and a positive environment away from negative influences.
"Boxing clubs play a vital role in supporting young people, promoting respect, fitness, and community spirit.”
A large number of youngsters of all ages were present for the launch and as Josh spoke to them they hung on his every word as he explained the importance of respect and discipline in boxing.
He believes the club can be a vital outlet for young people in the town at a time when there are often reports of anti-social incidents.
"There are a group of kids who are often involved in trouble in the town, I could give you all their names and I know these are not bad kids, they are just misguided,” said Josh.
"They are bored because they don’t have enough things to do and this boredom can lead to trouble.
"I’ve found that if you have a hobby or a focus – and it doesn’t have to be boxing – you can channel that energy into something positive.”
Josh is grateful to his many sponsors, who have provided equipment for the boxing club, such as head guards, skipping ropes and boxing gloves.
The club has a large boxing ring in the corner, multiple punch bags and other exercise equipment with the main gym partitioned off nearer the entrance.
The Mayor was very impressed with the new club and the potential impact it can have for local families.
Before cutting the ribbon, she told the gathering: “I’ve known Josh a very long time and I think it’s really important for the town to have this facility.
"This will be a place where young people and their families can come together and learn discipline, focus and really concentrate on putting their energy into something good.
“It will build confidence, resilience and have a positive impact, not only on themselves, but also on the community.”
Go to www.theunit-fitness.com for information.