Furness Catholic Amateur Boxing Club has been shortlisted for a prestigious accolade at the 2026 England Boxing Annual Awards.
The Barrow-based club is one of three clubs from across the country to make the final shortlist for the Community Club Impact Award.
The winners will be announced at England Boxing’s Annual Awards ceremony on Friday, July 17, in Sheffield, where some of the sport’s most dedicated clubs, volunteers, coaches and boxers will be celebrated.
England Boxing revealed the finalists following what it described as a thorough judging process carried out by an independent panel.
The annual awards recognise individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond to support, develop and inspire grassroots boxing throughout the 2025-26 season.
The nomination is a significant achievement for Furness Catholic ABC, which has built a strong reputation within the local community, providing opportunities for people of all ages and helping develop amateur boxing across the Furness peninsula.
Speaking about the recognition, the club said it was both unexpected and deeply appreciated.
A club spokesman said: “We were very surprised but grateful to be nominated for our governing body’s national award. We are a small grassroots club that has members from all backgrounds and do a lot of outreach community sessions, so it’s nice to be recognised with a nomination.”
Being named among the final three in the Community Club Impact category places the club alongside some of the country’s most influential grassroots boxing organisations and shines a spotlight on the efforts of its coaches, volunteers, boxers and supporters.
The nomination has generated widespread praise from parents, supporters and members of the local community.
The spokesman added: “It means a lot to have recognition come from outside the club. We are a family-run club and everything we do is free of charge, producing boxers and improving mental and physical wellbeing.
“Our boxers, both competing and recreational, are a credit to the club and we have received lots of congratulations through social media, from parents and from people who attend the club.”
A key factor behind the national recognition is the club’s extensive community outreach work, which extends well beyond the boxing ring.
Furness Catholic ABC regularly delivers sessions for organisations including Brathay Trust, Furness Multicultural Centre, Women’s Community Matters and Sandside Lodge School, supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.
The spokesman said: “We conduct outreach sessions for organisations including Brathay Trust, Furness Multicultural Centre, Women’s Community Matters and Sandside Lodge special educational needs school, to name a few.
“We have members from all backgrounds. Some compete, some have competed and been successful this season, while others attend for general fitness and wellbeing but also help bring on the next generation.”
The club says some of its proudest achievements are not measured by medals alone.
“One of our members has lost approximately 70kg in 18 months and we’re happy to have played a small part in that journey for him,” the spokesman said.
England Boxing said the awards are designed to celebrate the outstanding people who help boxing thrive in communities across the country.
A spokesman for England Boxing said: “The awards are designed to celebrate the outstanding people who help boxing thrive in communities across England.”
They added: “England Boxing is proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals, volunteers and clubs making a lasting impact across grass-roots boxing.”
As well as the Community Club Impact category, awards will be presented for Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Boxer of the Year, Inclusivity Award and Lifetime Achievement, among others.
The evening will also feature the presentation of the Micky May Award, which recognises the outstanding boxer from the most recent National Amateur Championships. The inaugural recipient will be Oliver Male of Bridlington ABC, who claimed the U75kg national title.
Regardless of the outcome, Furness Catholic ABC says the nomination provides valuable recognition for the work of everyone involved and highlights the importance of grassroots sport in improving lives.
Looking ahead, the club is determined to continue its community-focused approach.
“We want to continue providing our free services in the local area, producing boxers and improving physical and mental well-being through the sport of amateur boxing,” the spokesman said.
“We rely on donations and organised events, so this recognition is much appreciated.”
For Furness Catholic ABC, reaching the national shortlist is not only recognition of sporting success but also an acknowledgment of the positive difference the club continues to make both inside and outside the ring.
