Community members will be requested to provide a report on the following :
· Unity Boxing Club
· Community First
· Women’s Football
Minutes:
A) UNITY BOXING CLUB
Ajmal Butt was invited to address the meeting.
He referred to the funding assistance previously approved and received from the Ward Community Budget and advised the meeting of how those finances had been utilised to progress the aims and objectives of the Club.
Ajmal reported that the club enjoyed a large membership of around 200 members and that Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) affiliation had been recently been awarded which had raised the objectives and profile of the Club. Ajmal also commented on how the funds received from the Ward Community Budget had helped in the process of gaining ABA affiliation. He reported that a Club Constitution had been adopted and a Committee had been established with appointed Officers, including a Club Treasurer.
In view of the support received by the Club from members of the community, Ajmal referred to the recent second birthday celebration event held at the Club premises which had been visited by Ward Councillors, the Police and other community groups and representatives. The meeting was informed of the Club’s community links and the work undertaken with Connexions and employers’ organisations, particular in assisting young people who were categorised as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
As a competitive Boxing Club, Ajmal reported that 19 boxers had been registered to fight competitively. Of the 45 bouts which the Club had competed, 39 had been won. Two young boxers were introduced to the meeting and Ajmal reported on their successes, it was noted that that one of them had recently defeated a former ABA finalist. The importance of the Club in the lives of many young people was emphasised and the help and support given to young people was highlighted. It was reported that as well as the name of the Club ‘Unity’ was the principle and the theme of the Club. Ajmal reported that no special sessions were held for any particular groups and confirmed that Women and girl boxers were members alongside a wide representation of races and backgrounds. In this regard Ajmal commented on a recent article published in the Leicester Mercury newspaper, which highlighted the boxing career of a seventeen year old girl who was a club member and had enjoyed success at national level.
A qualified boxing referee also addressed the meeting in support of the Club. He reported on the excellent work being carried out and asked the meeting to note the significant work undertaken by volunteers to maintain the Club’s operation. It was noted that there were many outstanding issues to be resolved which would assist the Club; including the need to formally register an address for the Club for it to gain a postcode, and the need for a regular refuse collection service to be in operation. In conclusion of his address the referee commented on the importance of the Club in the community, he asked the meeting to support the Club in its aims in whatever ways possible and reminded the meeting of the theme of ‘Unity’.
In conclusion Ajmal displayed artwork produced by some of the younger members of the Club which highlighted the importance of the Club to them personally.
Ajmal was thanked for addressing the meeting. He was congratulated on his work and for describing how funds received had been utilised in progressing the aims and objectives of the Club. It was agreed to support the Unity Boxing Club in any possible way in the future.
B) COMMUNITY FIRST
Carlym Quantrill was invited to address the meeting.
She referred to the work being carried out by the Community First Panel in respect of funding opportunities for voluntary organisations. It was noted that a system of match-funding had been identified to maximise the funds available to organisations. The need for the Ward Community Meeting to work closely with the Community First Panel was expressed, as greater opportunities to increase funds could be realised through joint working.
The complications of the system were described to the meeting by Carlym, and she referred particularly to the confusing statements made in the advice received. It was noted that contradictory information had been received concerning the opportunities for public and private sector organisations to be involved in any match-funding applications.
Carlym was congratulated on her work undertaken to progress opportunities through the Panel and in respect of item 18 above concerning the closure of the Community Centre and its staffing; she agreed to refer the situation to the Panel for consideration.
Carlym was thanked for addressing the meeting and providing the update on the Panel’s work.
C) LEICESTER CITY LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB
Louie Carr, Chairman of Leicester City Ladies Football Club, was invited to address the meeting.
He referred to the funding assistance previously approved and received from the Ward Community Budget and advised the meeting of how those finances had been utilised to progress the aims and objectives of the Club.
John reported that 10 teams were currently established over various age groups and the numbers of active club members was around 160 players. The numbers of qualified coaches had been also been increased and it was reported that funding received from the Ward Community Budget had assisted in the training of those individuals, allowing them to gain their required qualifications.
In respect of funding generally, John Kavanagh, Secretary of the Club, submitted a list of annual expenses which detailed various areas of mandatory expenditure. These expenses included hire costs of match pitches, training facilities, FA administration and registration costs, costs of kit and equipment, and referees expenses, along with many other necessary expenses. The meeting noted the significant expenditure required to effectively run the Club and John was thanked for supplying the detailed breakdown.
In conclusion, Louie referred to the League and County Cup successes of the Club and it was noted that teams of all age groups had won honours.
Louie and John were thanked for addressing the meeting and it was agreed to support the Leicester City Ladies Football Club in any possible way in the future.