South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, and the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit recently attended a community boxing event in Sheffield.

The event, hosted by Firth Park Boxing Academy and held at Wadsley Bridge Working Men’s Club, brought together boxing clubs from across South Yorkshire.

Twelve bouts were held during the evening, pitting different members of Firth Park Boxing Academy against their counterparts from other local clubs.

Following the event, the Police and Crime Commissioner has thanked the boxing clubs for their work in supporting local young people, while the Violence Reduction Unit has highlighted the importance of sport in bringing the community together.

The Police and Crime Commissioner said: “It was a pleasure to attend the community boxing event held at Wadsley Bridge Working Men’s Club.

“As someone who was once an amateur boxer, it was great to see so many people there and to see the skills on display.

“I would like to congratulate the organisers for hosting such a good evening, and I would especially like to thank the boxing clubs for all the work they are doing to support local young people.

“The boxing clubs give young people positive and purposive things to do in their lives. They help young people to learn self-discipline and to respect others. Their leaders are crucial adult role models for so many.”

Commenting, Graham Jones, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit said: “I’m pleased that the Violence Reduction Unit was able to attend and support the community boxing event in Wadsley Bridge.

“Boxing and other sports play an important role in bringing communities together, developing young people’s skills and promoting their wellbeing.”