A CHAMPION-PRODUCING gym has launched a crowdfunding page to help support its passion to bring boxing to children in the Tranent community.

Bronx Boxing Gym – which boasts an Eastern District champion and a member of Scotland’s Commonwealth Games squad – aims to offer support to young people in the area.

The gym, which is run as a non-profit organisation by a committee of volunteers, said it aimed to be a place not just for those interested in boxing but where all young people could go for support.

A spokesperson for the gym said: “We like to think of ourselves as an extended family for any child that walks through our doors.

“We want all the children to feel like they can come and talk to any one of us, whether they wish to discuss boxing or things going on in their personal life.

“We have a great network of support within the gym and great role models for the children to look up to.”

The Bronx has launched a campaign to raise £5,000 to help cover the costs of competition fees, travel, equipment, a new team kit and organising a boxing show.

The gym’s coaches not only give up their time freely but help pay the rent on the gym’s Bridge Street base so they can keep training.

And it offers limited spaces to children whose parents are in financial difficulties.

The spokesperson said: “Every year we have a list of great achievements but this year #TEAMBRONX wants 2018 to be the year that the Bronx Boxing Gym makes its mark and continues to make improvements year after year.

“This year so far, Alexander Stewart set the bar in January by winning gold at the Eastern Districts.

“We have three boxers competing in the school and youth championships at the end of February and young John McCallum will be competing in the elite and youth championships at the beginning of March.

“Our heavyweight boxer Mitchell Barton has been selected to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games, which we are all very much looking forward to.”

The club is looking for sponsorship from a local business for its team training kit for next year.

Anyone interested in helping can contact club secretary Michelle Rendall at mic hellemclay@hotmail.co.uk to discuss further details.

To support the gym, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thebronxboxinggym