Lochside Amateur Boxing Club fighting for survival

A FORRES sports club is reeling from a low blow from its governing body which could force it out of the ring permanently.

Lochside Amateur Boxing Club (LABC) is holding on to the ropes for survival after being issued with new criteria from Amateur Boxing Scotland (ABS), which include the mandatory provision of "adequate male and female toilet and changing facilities," if they wish to reaffiliate and participate in any future events or competitions.

A 30-day period given to meet the requirements has already expired while the club has been actively seeking new premises.

"The club already meets most of the requirements," said LABC secretary Dutch Holland. "Others we can implement almost immediately but the issue of separate dressing rooms, toilets and showers seems totally unachievable for us."

LABC have looked at various alternative premises including the building formally occupied by Scotland Electronics on the Greshop Industrial Estate which has been vacant for three years. However, as a voluntary organisation funded by minimal membership fees and occasional donations, Lochside cannot afford the rent being asked for it.

Club treasurer, Albert Duffus, helped found Lochside ABC in 2000. He is disappointed that it may have to fold because of bureaucracy.

"We have never had any enquiries from girls wanting to box," he said. "If we did we could accommodate them on a different evening so it seems ridiculous that we have to provide these facilities even though they would never be used."

He added: "They have forgotten about the sport in favour of political correctness."

The small club has achieved massive success in its thirteen year history under the guidance of head coach Bill Muircroft. Since being at Forres he has helped them to develop district and Scottish national champions, and even international boxers including Sandy Robb, who is about to fight for the Eastern Canadian title.

"The new criteria could be devastating for the club," said Bill. "I have a wealth of young talent here now. It would be shocking if these young lads were not allowed to follow their sport and dreams of glory in the ring because of politics. The irony is that it could be a big loss for Amateur Boxing Scotland."

Support has also come to the club from local councillors such as Lorna Creswell, Aaron McLean and George Alexander and from Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead.

"It would clearly be a bad situation if a club were forced to close down as a result of a situation like this," said Mr Lochhead. "I hope that common sense will be to the fore as this issue is taken forward."

Amateur Boxing Scotland refused to comment on the issue, advising that the matter would only be discussed with LABC.

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