Nairn boxing club photo appeal to help inspire youngsters
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AN Iraq war veteran who has started a not-for-profit boxing club in Nairn is appealing for photographs from former boxers to inspire the next generation of youngsters coming through the ranks.
Former Scots Guardsman Kevin Brooks was just 19 when he served in Iraq as an infantryman.
He launched a club in Nairn in 2016 and after building up an array of gym equipment through local donations and the support of his regiment last year, they moved into the former Public Hall or Ballerina Ballroom, where many music greats including the Beatles performed in the 1960s.
“We have over 100 members of all abilities and we also train young people with disabilities, including some of the students at Cantraybridge College,” said Kevin, who is a full-time carer for his son Kevin (10) who has autism. “He can’t engage in the sport but just loves coming to the club with me and watching everyone train.
“I’ve boxed since I was in the army and was the first army boxing coach in Scotland to win the team Scotland Star Award for services to the sport in the community.
“It obviously was an honour to get the award, but I’m passionate about what I’m doing – helping youngsters improve their self-esteem and to participate in a sport which improves their physical and mental health.”
Kevin (36) said his club had rented several venues in Nairn before securing a lease at the former dance hall, which has been lying unused for many years.
“It’s ideal for our needs,” Kevin said. “At the moment our boxing ring is at floor level, but at some stage we would like to get a boxing platform ring.
“We are still developing the gym and I would like to gather photographs from former members of the Nairn boxing clubs.
“We had one 92-year-old who came in and told us he was a member of a club back in the 1930s in the Fishertown. I know there was another highly successful club in the ‘80s, winning regularly at the top level including three golds at the British championships.
“But we don’t have any history of these clubs to display and it would just be great to get some photographs to put up on the walls to inspire the boys and girls.”
Former member Keith Stuart has helped the club as a coach and Kevin said the club was getting a lot of support from his former regiment.
“The next stage is to create signage outside the club and improve the training facilities,” he said.
During the Covid lockdown, online coaching has been set up.
“We just have to be patient so restrictions can be lifted and we have an exciting future ahead,” Kevin added.
