IABA: Boxing Will Lose More Children Unless Funding Is Improved.

Monday, 9 August 2021 11:49

A lack of facilities is putting off many young people.

Leaders in amateur boxing say the sport will lose more children unless funding is improved.

It follows Kellie Harrington's Olympic gold medal win in Tokyo yesterday.

Her's is Ireland's second boxing gold medal in 9 years - the first was won by Katie Taylor.

🥇 GOLD 🥇

@Kelly64kg IS THE OLYMPIC CHAMPION!

The performance of a lifetime & she takes the win via unanimous decision v 🇧🇷!

From Portland Row to Tokyo, she has realised the dream & takes 🥇!!!

CONGRATS KELLIE!👏🇮🇪🥊#IABA #TeamIreland #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/ktd9Hn85Dl
— Boxing Ireland (@IABABOXING) August 8, 2021

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association says a lack of facilities is putting off many young people.

There are over 300 boxing clubs in Ireland, but many struggle attempting to pay commercial rents.

Others are in sub-standard facilities.

Central Council Member Anna Moore says more funding is needed to secure future medals

Kellie's first club, Corinthian's Boxing Club in Dublin's north inner city, has only one toilet which caters for boys.

Club coach Steve Malloy fears they will lose some talented girls to other sports because of it:

The junior sports minister admits the facilities of some sports clubs around the country would be off-putting for children.

Jack Chambers says the government will be awarding funding through the sports capital grant later this year