A HIGHLY-REGARDED coach is aiming to get the people of Tynedale boxing clever.

After answering a plea from Prudhoe for a new sports club, Fraser Neill will roll out his Fight Fitness Guru Amateur Boxing Club across the Tyne Valley, with strong support from Active Northumberland.

Neill, a level two boxing coach, founded Fight Fitness Guru in Consett in September 2017, and it was registered with Boxing England four months ago. However, it has grown well beyond expectations in such a short space of time.

Starting with sessions in Prudhoe, there are plans in the pipeline to develop boxing across the district in the coming months.

Neill met with Active Northumberland development officer Kathie Keady, Prudhoe town mayor Tracy Gilmore and Northumberland County Councillor for Prudhoe South, Gordon Stewart, to discuss plans of running weekly sessions at Prudhoe East Centre. In time, he will train coaches up to run the sessions.

And it is not all just about boxing with the sessions also aimed at improving people’s fitness levels by delivering circuit training.

Neill said: “There is a lack of boxing clubs around this area and people have to travel far to get to one.

“If they had something on their doorsteps to train them, they have a chance to get something up-and-running. Starting in Prudhoe, I’m going to see how far we can take it and branch out as much as we can.

“We’re already looking at a club in Hexham, and another area close-by.

“We cater for everybody from beginners right through to elite boxers, and I want to really give people the chance to be a champion if that’s that they want to be.”

Sessions will be split between juniors and seniors, with children classes open for those aged between five and 11.

Neill has a good reputation within Boxing England and had been head coach at three boxing gyms prior to starting Fight Fitness Guru.

In 2015, he hosted Europe’s largest university boxing show, The Roses, at York University. The then-England manager Roy Hodgson spoke at the opening ceremony.

He is hoping to continue developing the sessions in Consett, and things are going well.

“It’s going great, and it’s all about getting the children off the street and getting people active, fit and healthy.”