Charnwood Boxing Academy, vital for Croydon youth, faces eviction due to a dispute with Croydon Council over property rights.
Patrick Boothe is the head coach and founder. He got the building from its previous owner but refused to return the building’s keys. He said the council had promised him that place. The council did not comment on Patrick’s claim.
Patrick started an online petition to save the academy because the eviction deadline was February 14. He says the gym is vital for Croydon youth and considers the gym a true “lifeline.”
Patrick said gang members now join the club, and social workers even drop kids off there. The club has become very popular helping young people, and he worries about what will happen if they lose the club.
The council wants to support community groups, yet they need to sell the building as they’re selling other properties, too, to solve funding problems. The gym has about thirty members right now, with more people joining all the time.
The gym provides boys a safe place to connect. Over twenty members are carded boxers competing with England Boxing. The boxers recently won several championships, and losing the gym would hurt their confidence.
The club offers a safe space, a place away from dangerous gangs. Patrick said the gym feels like a family, and he cares deeply about the boys, wanting to help keep them safe.
The council stated the club occupied the site illegally in April 2023. They were told to leave, but didn’t. Another group wants to buy the building, but the council needs to sell properties to balance their budget.