Community

Championing Change: ‘In the Community’ impact commended in Parliament

October 24 2024

Matchroom in the Community receives recognition on the record in the House of Commons.

This week, after attending a meeting to reinstate the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Boxing at Portcullis House, Head of Community Development, Alex Le Guével, had the pleasure of meeting with the group’s newly elected Vice Chair, Chris Webb MP, where he explained in greater depth the incredible impact that’s being achieved through the Matchroom ‘In The Community’ initiative.

Today, having been so impressed by this work, Chris took a moment to recognise and appreciate our progress on the record in the House of Commons.

Boxing engages children and young people from deprived or marginalised backgrounds.

- Chris Webb MP

“Boxing engages children and young people from deprived or marginalised backgrounds. Matchroom’s Chairman, Eddie Hearn, rightly says that the thing about boxing is that everyone is welcome, and there is no barrier for entry,” stated Webb.

“The Matchroom in the Community initiative, run by the passionate Alex Le Guével, has impacted more than 1,200 young people, collaborated with 22 sports providers and even saved a local boxing gym. It is truly transforming lives,” he continued.

“Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the work of Matchroom in the Community, and permit a discussion in Government time on the positive impact of amateur local boxing clubs?”

In response, Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell MP echoed Webb’s thoughts – and even expanded with examples of her own from her constituency in Moss Side, Manchester.

“I join my Honourable Friend in congratulating Matchroom in the Community on its amazing work,” said Powell.

“I know from a similar club in my constituency, the Moss Side Fire Station boxing club, that important work is done to engage young people who would otherwise not be engaged and might be causing problems elsewhere. That is why this Government are committed to supporting such youth services.”

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Boxing

All-party parliamentary groups (APPGs) are informal cross-party groups of members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and have no official status within Parliament. Larger APPGs generally have officers drawn from the major political parties from both houses.

APPG members meet to discuss a particular issue of concern and explore relevant issues relating to their topic. APPGs regularly examine issues of policy relating to a particular areas, discussing new developments, inviting stakeholders and government ministers to speak at their meetings, and holding inquiries into a pertinent matter. APPGs have no formal place in the legislature, but are an effective way of bringing together parliamentarians and interested stakeholders

The APPG for Boxing exists with the following purposes:

  • To engage with government and parliament to support all aspects of boxing
  • To set out the benefits of boxing to individuals and wider society
  • To reduce barriers to participation in boxing
  • To celebrate the success of our nation’s boxers
  • To highlight the potential for boxing clubs to promote diversity, inclusion and regeneration in the UK

Earlier this year, Alex Le Guével presented to the group – highlighting several key projects and milestone achievements from the ‘In the Community” initiative over the course of the past twelve months.

Looking ahead, Matchroom’s commitment to supporting local boxing communities is set to deepen, with plans for Eddie Hearn himself to join upcoming parliamentary discussions. Hearn’s insight and passion for grassroots boxing will add a powerful voice to the conversation, helping MPs better understand the vital role boxing plays in transforming young lives across the UK.

By collaborating closely with leaders and MPs like Chris Webb, the Matchroom team aims to expand its impact, reinforcing boxing’s value as a pathway to resilience, inclusivity and social regeneration.