Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing Club is closing its doors, bringing an emotional end to 12 years of dedication by coach Sean Jenkins, whose commitment to developing young boxers and supporting the wider community has made a lasting difference to many lives.
The club’s closure marks the end of an important chapter in Radstock’s sporting history, with Sean announcing that falling attendance, financial pressures and the demands of running the club have finally taken their toll.
The news has prompted an outpouring of appreciation from former members, local residents and fellow sportspeople, who have praised Sean for his years of commitment to the community.
In an emotional Facebook announcement, Sean explained that the decision to close had been extremely difficult.
“It is with a heavy heart that I’m letting you all know that I’m closing down my boxing club and in doing so the owners have now decided to put the old building up for auction.”
He explained that dwindling membership had made it increasingly difficult to cover the club’s running costs.
“A mixture of dwindling numbers and running the club over the last 12 years have taken their toll on me. Running a club that’s not sustainable made it difficult to pay rent, pay bills and trying to invest into a savings pot for the future.”
He described the emotional toll of continuing to run sessions when only a handful of people attended.
“It drains you physically and mentally and its soul destroying seeing only 2 juniors and maybe 3 seniors if any at all turn up!”
Sean admitted that dismantling the gym, which he described as his “pride and joy”, would be particularly upsetting.
Twelve years of making a difference
Over the years, Sean has devoted countless hours to providing local youngsters with opportunities to take up boxing, develop their abilities and build confidence through sport.
For many, the club has offered much more than somewhere to learn boxing. It has provided a welcoming environment where young people could develop discipline, self-confidence, respect and determination.
The club has also offered circuit training sessions, ladies’ boxing fitness classes and specialist sessions for people living with Parkinson’s disease, making it a valuable resource for the wider community.
Sean’s coaching has helped develop successful young athletes, including Shayne Smith, who won titles at the Global Glove Development Box Cup and Midlands Box Cup in June this year, having earlier reached the semi-finals of the National Junior Championships.
Community pays tribute
The closure announcement prompted heartfelt messages from people whose lives have been touched by Sean and the club.
One supporter wrote: “Sorry to hear this Sean! You’ve made a massive impact on the local community and help a huge amount of combat sports athletes!”
Another described the gym as “such a great space for the community”, while a former member simply wrote: “Thank you for introducing me to boxing.”
Many highlighted Sean’s positive influence on young people.
“Thanks for all your hard work over the years. You have made a difference to many young peoples lives over that time,” wrote one supporter.
Another added: “You’ve done a great job over the years giving all that time to the community and making people’s lives better.”
Others described his work as “fantastic” and “remarkable”, with one supporter telling him he should be very proud of everything he had accomplished.
The tributes demonstrate the important role community sports clubs and dedicated coaches play in providing opportunities for local people.
Club building to be auctioned
Following Sean’s decision to close the club, the owners of its Coombend premises have decided to sell the building.
The former gym and boxing club is being marketed by City & Rural Property Auctions with a guide price of £70,000, ahead of an auction scheduled for Wednesday 11 November 2026.
The building is being advertised for potential alternative uses, including residential redevelopment, subject to planning permission.
Sean is now selling the gym’s equipment, including spin bikes, cross trainers, punchbags, speedballs and a 14-foot boxing ring. Hundreds of posters and framed photographs that have decorated the gym walls are also available.
Local gyms interested in purchasing equipment are being invited to contact Sean directly.
While the boxing club is closing, Sean’s contribution to the community will endure. Over 12 years, he has helped young people discover boxing, develop confidence and achieve sporting success, while providing fitness opportunities for people of all ages.
The heartfelt messages following his announcement are a testament to the lasting difference he has made to so many people in Radstock and the surrounding area.
Photo: Radstock Boxing Coach Sean Jenkins with Champion Boxer Shayne Smith
