IN YOUR CORNER: HOW CHURCH BOXING BUILDS CHAMPIONS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE RING

When Darrel Church first opened the doors to Church Boxing in 2021, he didn’t set out to build just another boxing gym. He set out to build a safe place, a second chance, and a community where young people - and adults alike - could find strength, purpose and belonging.

“I wanted to give back what boxing gave me - discipline, focus and a new direction,” says Darrel, an ex-professional boxer whose own story of resilience runs through the heart of the club.

What started with a single ring and a handful of loyal members has now grown into one of Essex’s most talked-about grassroots boxing spaces. But calling it a “gym” hardly does it justice.

More Than Boxing Gloves and Punch Bags

Step inside Church Boxing’s new premises and you’ll find more than athletes perfecting their jab-cross combinations.

Downstairs is a fully equipped, elite-standard boxing facility. Upstairs, the atmosphere shifts: a vibrant Youth Zone filled with pool tables, shuffleboard, air hockey, table tennis, and a great sports court for football, basketball and badminton and more.

It’s a place to train, but it’s also a place to laugh, learn and feel safe.

“We wanted somewhere kids could be kids - but with the structure and values boxing teaches: respect, effort and self-belief,” Darrel explains.

Changing Lives, One Round at a Time

Church Boxing’s difference really shines through its Schools Program - an initiative that brings boxing’s discipline and community spirit directly to local students.

For some, it’s their first taste of structured sport. For others, it’s a lifeline when the classroom alone isn’t enough. Teachers have seen first-hand how students return more focused, calmer, and more respectful after a few sessions at the gym.

“Some of these kids come in with their heads down. Six weeks later, they’re standing tall, helping the younger ones, proud of themselves,” says Darrel. “That’s the real win for me.”

The program also offers tailored one-to-one sessions for students who are struggling or at risk of exclusion - providing an outlet and a guiding hand when it matters most.

A Promise to the Community

Despite its growing success, Church Boxing keeps its promise simple: no one walks through the doors without feeling seen, supported and inspired to be better than they were yesterday.

In Darrel’s own words:

“We don’t just build boxers - we build people worth fighting for.”

Whether you’re a parent looking for a safe, structured place for your child, a teacher exploring new ways to engage students, or someone simply wanting to see what real community looks like - you’ll find a warm welcome at Church Boxing.

Ready to Step Inside the Ring?

Visitors are encouraged to come down, watch a session and feel the energy for themselves. Because here, champions aren’t just raised inside the ropes - they’re built in how we stand beside each other, round after round.

Want to learn more or visit the gym?

www.churchboxing.com | DM on social, email darrel@churchboxing.com or call