The future of west Fife boxing talent has taken a hit after the closure of Dunfermline Boxing club.
But bosses are showing fighting spirit by vowing to find new premises, boosted by a crowdfunding campaign that is set to smash its £1,000 target.
They have secured a temporary base at Woodmill High School.
The doors were shut at the club’s Canmore Street base on Hogmanay after crippling rents forced the fighters out.
Coach Daniel Coll said: “We’re a busy club and have assured youngsters and their parents that we will find a new home.
“The place we were in was far too expensive – and we were struggling with the rent.
“If the registered boxers we have don’t get into training soon, they’ll probably go to other clubs.
“The sooner we find somewhere the better – we don’t want to lose the talent we have fostered.”
The west Fife boxing community has rallied to raise nearly £1,000 to help the club find a new home.
There was even a donation of a glove signed by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao as a raffle prize.
The busy club ran kids’ and adults’ classes four nights a week.
Head coach Tommy Cannon retired recently and now Daniel and fellow coach Derek Stewart are taking charge.
Local MP Douglas Chapman has also backed their campaign to get re-established in Dunfermline.
Daniel said: “We’ve had a great response from the community in helping us get things back on track, and we’re delighted Douglas is helping raise awareness of our situation.
“We have a long history of keeping young people off the streets and providing a safe, fun environment for them to train and interact.
“We have produced many champions over the years from local area to European level and are determined to continue doing so.”
Mr Chapman added: “The club has a proud history, and over the years has helped countless youngsters develop their skills, become fit and foster a positive attitude to their lives.
“Daniel, Derek and the rest of the committee are showing such fortitude in their determination to ensure the club’s boxing legacy in Dunfermline.
“They simply need new premises with a reasonable rent, and I’ll do what I can to help them get re-established.”
Anyone wishing to help should visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk and search for
Dunfermline Boxing Club.
