Who we are…

In 1978, the Witney Boxing Club was established under the visionary leadership of the legendary Reg Marshman, and later, Steve Setch. At its inception, the club operated out of the Newlands Sports and Social Club in Witney. For those who ever trained there, it’s likely they would recall the place as a near-mud hut or porter cabin. Nonetheless, it provided an invaluable opportunity for many to experience the thrill and discipline of boxing.

Fast forward to 2007, when the floods that struck Witney rendered the training premises unusable, forcing a pivotal decision about the club’s future. A new committee was swiftly formed, a new venue secured, and with generous sponsorship and funding support from the Witney Rotary Club, new equipment was acquired. In a bid to reflect a broader geographical area rather than being confined to just the town, the club was aptly renamed Windrush Valley Amateur Boxing Club.

Today, we proudly stand as the sole boxing club in West Oxfordshire affiliated with England Boxing, training athletes to compete at the national level. Our team of coaches is fully qualified through England Boxing, DBS cleared, first aid certified, and up-to-date with safeguarding regulations. We were the fourth boxing club in England to earn the prestigious Sport England Club Mark Accreditation and have had the distinct honor of receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (often referred to as the MBE for voluntary services).

We collaborate closely with governing bodies and the local community—including the Police, Social Services, local Council, and Schools—to provide a secure and supportive environment for everyone. We actively promote moral values and community inclusion. Our regulated environment fosters physical and mental health, fitness, and overall well-being for all participants. Additionally, we organize trips to various boxing venues across the country, allowing our team to savor the sport beyond the confines of regular competition.

Furthermore, we are accredited to deliver the ASDAN CoPE qualification, which is equivalent to a Level 2 GCSE. Thus, even if competitive boxing is not your ambition, there are abundant opportunities for individuals aged 10 and up, of any ability or gender, to improve their fitness both mentally and physically.