Youngsters from Belle Vale Amateur Boxing Club in Liverpool, which is run by fire fighters from Belle Vale Fire Station, are boxing clever thanks to funding from building contractor, Strategic Team Group, who recently completed the construction of new residential accommodation for fire fighters at the station on behalf of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

Strategic Team Group has supplied the team of 30 young boxers and their fire fighter and local volunteer coaches with black Belle Vale Amateur Boxing Club and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service branded tracksuits. The team will wear the new tracksuits when they attend competition bouts and tournaments throughout the UK.

Belle Vale Amateur Boxing Club, which was launched in March this year, is the first club in the UK to be set up and run from an operational community fire station. Originally established to keep local children and young people off the streets, providing an alternative to the gun, drug and crime culture within the local area, the club now offers training for over 300 young people aged from nine years. Despite only being five months old, the club has already produced its first Junior Amateur Boxing Club Champion for Merseyside & Cheshire at 80kg, Michael Minard aged 16 years.

Commenting on the sponsorship deal, Andy Williamson, Belle Vale Community Fire Station watch manager and team coach said:

"We are absolutely delighted with the new kit, Strategic Team Group have been very supportive both with the club and during the construction of the new accommodation block.

"The club has proved a huge success with youngsters in the area, in fact we've had to offer more training sessions and we're even thinking of expanding our sessions to provide boxercise classes for girls. We've been amazed by the level of commitment and determination, and we've actually found some real talent.

"Our ultimate aim is for our members to become valuable assets and ambassadors for their local community and to date, it seems to be going in the right direction."

Charles Tweed, Strategic Team Group, business development director added:

"We are passionate about nurturing young talent, particularly within the sporting arena, so we are proud to be supporting such a progressive club, which is now an invaluable part of the local community, providing fantastic experiences and opportunities for young people. We would like to wish all the team and coaches every success in the boxing ring for the future."

Strategic Team Group, one of the fastest growing building contractors in the UK, has built a two storey accommodation block, creating five bedrooms, each with a study and en-suite. The new building also includes a lobby, kitchen / diner, living room / lounge and a disabled toilet for Belle Vale fire fighters.