Sir, – I founded JABS ABC boxing club in 2008. The club was initially formed as a community club to offer a alternative for young people who might be prone to commit anti-social behaviour in the Richmond and Catterick area. We have been very successful.

Over the last six years we have had numerous coaches join us on a voluntary basis to coach both juniors and seniors, but myself and my head coach have been with the club since day one and continue to support the local children in boxing.

he aim of the club is to provide youth opportunities within the community – providing a leisure opportunity within a supportive and constructive environment.

One of our first members, from Colburn, went on to join the RAF. He continued with his boxing and last month won the Tri Services medal in his category – a very proud moment for me

We currently have two very promising young men, one from Richmond, one from Leyburn, who are entered into the ABAE Championships in November, we are hopeful of their success.

We started our club in Catterick Village, in Marne Barracks. When the building was deemed unsafe we moved on to a military gym at Catterick Garrison. Then the Lower School in Richmond became vacant and I applied to the council for permission to host the boxing club there. We have been there more than two years now.

The licence tom operate at Lower School was a temporary one and is due to run out in March 2015, as the building is being given over to provide office space.

We will have to close our doors as we are finding it very difficult to acquire premises that we can realistically afford. We keep admission prices low, so the club is accessible to any child regardless of their parents' circumstances, and we all volunteer our time and expertise.

My plea would be for anyone who has a suitable place at an affordable rent to contact me. We don’t need anything special – a barn, a double garage – we just need space to put up a boxing ring and brackets for bags. We have enthusiastic parents who will support us with paint brushes and energy.

My greatest fear is that, by not finding new premises, I will let down the members, the coaches, and those yet to join us.

Please get in touch (07779-342507) if you have such a building, nothing will be written off.

(Mrs) JUDITH ALLAN

JABS ABC

Skeeby, Richmond