It has been a busy time for Danny Turton and fellow coaches at Team Agoge martial arts gym in Dewsbury and there’s no sign things are slowing down as the team prepares for an open day at the club on Sunday (September 20).

“We had our first home show in a while at Charlie’s Bar in Liversedge,” said Danny, 38, writes James Bovington.

“That was a success with 15 well-matched bouts offering local boxers and kickboxers the chance to show just what skills they’ve been developing.

"We’ve run a holiday club for pre-teens with a range of sports included in addition to basic boxing training along with some Xbox and Nintendo sessions. The club was full.

Team Agoge boxers and staff with local MP Iqbal Mohammed who visited the Dewsbury gym and offered encouragement.

placeholder image — Team Agoge boxers and staff with local MP Iqbal Mohammed who visited the Dewsbury gym and offered encouragement.

“We were also delighted and grateful to receive a surprise visit from our local MP Iqbal Mohammed who has been helpful getting our club the recognition we feel that it rightly deserves.

"He’s keen for me to go to Parliament to speak about what we do apparently. Ours is more than just a boxing gym, it’s a community hub serving as a drop-in centre with coffee mornings, groups to help people with mental health concerns. We also arrange direct referrals for drink and alcohol addiction.

"Mr Iqbal took time to share words of encouragement with our youngsters. He reminded us that the discipline, determination and confidence we’re building in the gym can take them a long way both inside and outside the ring.

"For us, it’s about more than boxing. It’s about confidence, resilience, respect, hard work and providing opportunities for young people to be part of something positive bringing all sections of the community together.”

Danny hopes that local people will “come in large numbers to see what we do when we open our doors to stage a family fun day and community fundraiser".

There will be a variety of sporting activities including some boxing pad work to give a taste of starting out as a boxer and the more adventurous can try their hand at axe-throwing.

"Visitors will also get the chance to meet some of our boxers and find out first-hand how boxing and other martial arts can improve lives,” added Danny.

“I also want to express our thanks to our local sponsors. The assistance provided by FLT Tyres, Purple Monkey Storage, Untouchable Fireworks, Shake Bees, i-Clean, RDX Sports and Creed Boxing is much appreciated.”

Call or text Danny on 07736 686040, visit Team Agoge on Facebook or e-mail [email protected] for information about training with Team Agoge. The gym can be found at 101 Bradford Road, WF13 2EP.