Community Saves A.N.A. Amateur Boxing Club
A boxing gym in the Cynon Valley, once facing closure, has been revitalized through the efforts of its local community. The A.N.A. Amateur Boxing Club, located in Penrhiwceiber in the south Wales valleys, was "one bid away from losing the club" after the building was put up for sale. However, a fundraising campaign united local residents and raised approximately £15,000, securing the gym's future.
Gym Now Thriving with Growing Membership
Currently, the gym is thriving, with over 30 members training up to four times weekly and producing Welsh national champions. Coach Anthony Trow, a former seven-time Welsh champion, emphasized the importance of the club's survival for the local area.
"It means everything," he said. "I've come back into the gym just under a year ago, and it was going to be sold from underneath our feet.
"We successfully managed to pull the community together, raise the money and save the club.
"To see it thriving like it is now more people coming in and more coaches joining us it's going in the right direction."
David Francis: From Rugby to Boxing Success
Among the gym's notable athletes is 22-year-old super-heavyweight David Francis, who has quickly become one of Wales' most promising amateur boxers. Francis was previously a high-level rugby player, representing the Ospreys academy and Wales Under-20s, but injuries led him to reconsider his sporting career.
"I played rugby until I was about 21, but I was plagued with injuries," he said. "I didn't enjoy it for a while and I always wanted to go back to boxing."
Francis returned to boxing in the summer of 2025 and joined the amateur club later that year.
"I came to the gym in November and I haven't looked back since," said Francis.
Despite having only a few bouts, Francis rapidly advanced through the ranks, defeating Pontypool ABC's Joshua Taylor by split decision in his sixth fight during the final of the Welsh National Championships in April. The competition featured over 230 competitors across 37 categories, representing clubs from throughout Wales.
"It was really surreal," Francis said. "You don't really expect it, but you try to soak it all up and enjoy it because you don't know when your last one's going to be."
Family Support and Trust in the Club
Francis's father, Dafydd Francis, initially had reservations about his son's return to boxing.
"When he said he wanted to have a fight, I kind of winced a little bit," he said.
"But I told him if he was going to do it, we'd make sure he joined the right gym. I knew Anthony and trusted the environment here.
"As a father, I wanted to make sure he was in a good place and in Penrhiwceiber they're brilliant. It's incredibly inclusive and there are no egos here."
Rising Talents and Positive Impact on Youth
The club's success extends beyond Francis. Fifteen-year-old Alfie Taylor is another emerging talent, while younger members are also making progress. Mark Stroh, aged 13, has been training at the gym for about a year and notes the positive influence boxing has had on his life.
"I like the fitness and how good it makes me feel," he said. "It's local, I've made lots of friends here and everyone's nice.
"It helps outside of boxing too – it teaches you how to look after yourself."
Stroh is preparing to compete in the Welsh Open tournament, aiming to win his first title.
Boxing Growth Across Wales
Boxing continues to grow throughout Wales, with 1,621 registered boxers and 136 affiliated clubs, according to Welsh Boxing. The sport offers pathways to elite competition, including the Commonwealth Games, a prestigious event for amateur boxers representing Wales.
For clubs like A.N.A., the focus remains on fostering community as well as competition. What was once a gym on the verge of closure has transformed into a centre for opportunity, discipline, and ambition, demonstrating the power of community collaboration.
