Following a great Team Scotland performance in the 2014 GB Youths and as we progress towards our biggest ever Finals event and Glasgow 2014, here are some interesting facts about Boxing Scotland Limited (BSL) which you may not know.
As the recognised Governing Body for Boxing in Scotland, we currently have over 1500 registered competitive boxers who are trained all over the country in our member clubs. We also have 480 registered young people, between the ages of 10-19, who have benefitted from Cashback in the Community funding which has allowed them to partake in a non-contact boxing programme through community boxing clubs and schools.
Currently, we have 107 member clubs spread across the country with gyms in remote towns and communities such as Peterhead, Chirnside and Stranraer to having circa 20 boxing clubs located within a 15 mile radius of Glasgow city centre.
93% of all our member clubs currently achieve the BSL Minimum Operating Standards with the other 7% currently working towards achieving these with the guidance from our Club Development Officer.
The purpose of the BSL Minimum Operating Requirements is to make for safe, strong and sustainable clubs which are the very foundation of boxing in Scotland.
Coaches are the backbone of all our clubs and we have an impressive 538 registered BSL Coaches, all of whom are PVG checked and are required to undergo mandatory child protection training.
Our 2013 National championships attracted a record 1007 entries and our 90 qualified Referees and Judges played a critical part in the smooth running and delivery of these events. At a District and Club level, the commitment and input of our officials, all of who are volunteers, meant that over 160 shows & competitions were held in 2013, primarily at weekends.
At an international level, 167 boxers represented Scotland at 23 different international tournaments ranging from GB three nation events to World Championship level in 2013.
Our National semi-finals which take place this weekend on Saturday 15 March 2014 in Scotstoun Sports Campus, Glasgow will feature a fantastic array of talent including a 2012 London Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, A World Youth Championship Silver medallist, A European Youth Bronze medallist and Commonwealth Youth Games medallists.
Our Junior and Schoolboy/Girl championships continue to grow and provide opportunity to our champions of the future – We have received a record 266 entries for this year’s event which will be held on 22&23 March 2014 in the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Glasgow.
With everything that is currently going on, it is an exciting time to be part of Boxing Scotland.
