Secretary of State meets young people at Tamworth boxing club giving them a fighting start in life

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy MP, visited Mercia

Boxing Club in Tamworth and saw firsthand how they are breaking down barriers to opportunities for young people in the local community.

During the visit, the Secretary of State met with young boxers and volunteer

coaches, who shared how the club has become a vital support system outside of

school—helping them stay focused, build confidence, and develop ambitions for

the future.

The boxing club, run by Emma Howes, opened in the former Leyfields community

centre in January 2025 after it was closed by the county council several years

ago. Thanks to funding from Sports England and community support, the space

has been fully refurbished, offering young people access to mentoring, training,

and a safe environment off the streets.

Mercia Boxing Club now supports hundreds of young people through training

sessions and after-school programs. They hope to start running school holiday

activities over the summer.

The visit comes as the Government is forming its new National Youth Strategy,

designed to prioritise delivering better coordinated youth services and policy at a local, regional and national level. It will make sure decision-making moves away from a one-size-fits all approach, handing power back to young people and their communities, and rebuilding a thriving and sustainable sector. This will help deliver on the government’s missions, spreading opportunities, making our streets safer and taking pressure off health services.

Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said:"

"Labour is determined to break down barriers to opportunity that young people

face. Places like Mercia Boxing Club do just that, creating safe spaces where

young people can build confidence, stay active and feel part of something

positive."

Emma Howes, founder of Mercia Boxing Club said:

“It was great to have Lisa Nandy and our local MP Sarah Edwards visit the club

and see how important the work we are doing is for the local community.

Sarah supported our application for the funding for the community centre, so it’s

nice she has taken the time to come back down and see what we have done

with the facility"

Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth said:

"It’s amazing to see how this community centre has been brought back to life by

Emma and her team. I have been supporting them right from the start and they

have built a boxing club that isn’t just about sport it’s giving young people a

sense of purpose, and the confidence to believe in themselves. We’re incredibly

lucky to have them here locally in Tamworth.”

Photo of Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, Sarah

Edwards MP, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, Carol Dean, founder of

Mercian Boxing Club, Emma Howes and members and coaches of the club.