Matt Bishop, MP for the Forest of Dean, paid a visit to Lydney Boxing Club this week to meet with head coach Bryan Higgs and members of the committee to show his support for the club's work helping young people engage with exercise, build confidence, and create a sense of purpose through boxing.

Lydney Boxing Club has been based in Regent's Hall since the late 1990s and, over the years, has grown into a well-loved and needed space for children aged 8 years and up. As the only boxing club in the Forest of Dean of its kind, it plays a unique role in offering regular exercise, structure, and belonging to its members—from beginners to professional talent admired across the country.

Matt met with Bryan Higgs, who has been at the heart of the club for many years and praised the dedication of the volunteers and coaches who give so much of their time to the community. "It's clear that this is more than a club," Matt said. "It's a space where young people feel supported and can be active."

The club is committed to being accessible to all, keeping sessions affordable and inclusive, and making sure everyone—no matter their background or circumstance—feels welcome. Bryan explained that the club has "given memories to children that they will never forget." The impact the club has on individuals across the Forest of Dean is immeasurable, and it is an asset the community cannot afford to lose.

The club currently rents the top floor of Regent's Hall, which is now being valued for a potential sale. Purchasing the building would give the club the security it needs to plan for the future, allow it to grow, improve its facilities, and reach even more young people across the Forest of Dean.

Matt Bishop MP welcomed the club's ambition to purchase Regent's Hall, saying: "We want to see this club continue to thrive. It's built on hard work, love for the sport, and community spirit. These are exactly the values we need more of in the Forest."

With almost one in four Year 6 children in the Forest of Dean now classed as obese and deprivation a key underlying factor, it's vital that communities have access to affordable, high-quality facilities like this. Clubs like these play a crucial role in improving public health and ensuring no child is left behind.

The club is inviting people to show their support in any way they can—whether through donations, spreading the word, or simply coming along to see what they do. Every little bit helps secure Bryan and his team's efforts to provide such a meaningful club for the youth of the Forest of Dean.

"Over the years, the club has supported countless children," Matt added. "A club like Lydney Boxing isn't just vital for now—it's vital for future generations, too."

To find out more or to offer your support to this invaluable club, please get in touch with the club's secretary, Chris, at [email protected] or 07867776690.