Hamilton Boxing Club vice-chairman Jimmy Stirling is deeply concerned that the pandemic will result in a generation of lost boxers.
The renowned club has been open since 1994 and has been a refuge for young adults looking to avoid trouble on the streets.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, the club has been unable to welcome young boxers for months, and Stirling is worried about the knock-on effect.
He said: “I’m really worried about how many young, talented boxers will be lost to the sport.
“It’s a brilliant sport for keeping people off the streets and out of trouble.
“It teaches kids discipline and structure, which helps in everyday life.
“We’ve got all our boxers linked on their phones and we monitor their running times.
“They log on and we keep track of everything they’re doing.”
Stirling feels that the club, located on Clydesdale street, has received inadequate support from the relevant governing bodies.
He said: “It’s just crazy right now. There is nothing from Boxing Scotland at all – you would think they’d be running health and safety classes.
“They are mainly focused on their elite boxers.
“That’s who they are interested in right now and all the other clubs are struggling.”
Although the gym specialises in boxing, it also provides more general exercise classes, which cater to different demographics.
Stirling revealed that preparations are underway to re-open the gym, whenever it is deemed safe to do so by the Scottish Government.
He added:“We are getting the gym ready for everybody coming back. Everybody is constantly phoning, trying to find out what’s going on.
“We have lots of casual classes on the weekends with a lot of women who are desperate to get back too.
“I’m hoping to get back next month because everybody has paid their dues for absolutely nothing in return
“It’s very difficult for everyone right now.”
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