ANDRZEJ Sledzinski has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award for his positive work for the Townend Boxing Academy.
He is a coach to many adults and children, with the aim of getting people off the streets and involved in positive initiatives such as boxing.
He and Daniel Baugh run the academy, which is on Wharncliffe Industrial Estate, and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.
Daniel won the award last year after he turned his life around following a drug habit to set up the boxing academy, putting thousands of pounds into helping young people control their behaviour.
This year, Daniel has nominated Andrezej, 30, of Langdale Court, Barnsley. He said: “Townend Boxing Academy was officially formed in October 2016. I originally started with a Polish boxing club a year before. Andrezej was one of the first guys that came to learn how to box with the club, and had one white collar fight at the Barnsley Metrodome.”
“We officially turned over to amateur boxing under England boxing in 2016. At this point all of the Polish boxers except Andrezej left to pursue white collar boxing - as an amateur boxing club we are unable to be a part of this.”
“Coaching classes by myself, Andrezej was always there to help, and, without being asked, has always taken it upon himself to help coach the children and young adults of Barnsley.”
“He donates between ten to 15 hours of his own time each week to coach at the club. Our club is funded by personal training and boxercise classes we run. Our staff are voluntary workers and don’t get paid, rather doing it for the love of the sport.”
“Andrezej has formed a bond with everyone who trains at Town End Boxing Academy, and is loved and highly respected by everyone. He is always going out of his way to encourage our child and senior boxers.”
