More Than a Boxing Club – Westway ABC

A new documentary about Eastfield’s Westway Boxing Club proved an absolute knockout (sorry!) earlier this year, playing to a full house of members and supporters when it premiered in The McCarthy in January.

More Than a Boxing Club – Westway ABC was created by SJT Associate Director and boxing coach Chantell Walker and local filmmaker Matthew Storm in collaboration with the club and North Yorkshire Council. It highlights the important work the club does with the community of Eastfield and raises awareness of the importance of grassroots boxing clubs to their local communities, including valuable work with those living with Parkinson’s.

Westway coach Ryan Ashworth started the Parkinson’s classes after seeing his granddad struggle with the condition.

“I went down to a coffee morning at the local church – I’d got some funding from the local council, they’ve been fabulous. I rocked up at this coffee morning and said ‘I want to put on a Parkinson’s boxing class, is anybody interested?’ and I think they thought ‘who’s this idiot?’

“Two years later we’ve got 30 people, and three classes a week.”

Director Chantell says:

“Boxing clubs like Westway aren’t there just to create champions. Grassroots boxing clubs can give young people a sense of purpose and belonging. Boxing gyms can be a home and a safe space for many. 

“It’s been a privilege directing this film. I’m so thankful to Ryan, George and everyone at the club who made me and Matt feel so welcome and allowed us to capture the true nature of the club and the array of people that walk through those doors. It came as no surprise as I grew up in boxing clubs, first as an amateur boxer and now turned coach myself.

"I know how welcoming and accessible boxing clubs are and the important work they do for their communities. This is my first film directorial debut and I’m incredibly grateful it’s about something so close to my heart.”  

Ryan adds:

"It's been an incredible experience letting people in to see the magic of boxing and how it's used for the greater good. This film was the perfect platform to share the gym’s journey and myself becoming a level 3 coach.

"It's also an honour to share the relationship between myself and Geroge Rhodes Snr, my mentor and founder of the club and how he'll be passing on the torch to me to lead the next generation at Westway." 

The film's now live on YouTube, and you can watch it here.