NEWTOWN Boxing Club chiefs hope the end is in sight in their long wait for a return to the ring.

The mid Wales club is one of hundreds across Wales to have endured a frustrating year since the country first went into lockdown last year.

The survival of many clubs has aided by support from the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association (WABA).

Speaking to The National Wales, Newtown Boxing Club chairman Steve Evans praised the governing body.

Steve is chairman of the mid Wales club with his son, Joe, the head coach.

Steve said: “WABA pointed us in the right direction to apply for grants and we got one from the council which has secured the club financially for the next few years in terms of paying our rent.

“We also got a grant from the WABA because we couldn’t hold our show, which was supposed to take place last March.”

Newtown Boxing Club has been hit hard by COVID-19 shutdowns...Club Chairman, Steve Evans..

Newtown Boxing Club has been hit hard by COVID-19 shutdowns...Club Chairman, Steve Evans..

Chairman Steve Evans.

Steve feared the impact of no training or competitions for so many months amid the rolling lockdowns included the loss of youngsters to the sport.

However he was confident the financial support the club had received would ensure they came out of lockdown fighting.

He said: “I think things will be okay in the long term, but in the short term there is going to be a drop off.

“It happened after the first lockdown, lads didn’t come back.

“It’s frustrating if they think we are going to be in a perpetual lockdown.”

Steve is also looking forward with relish to the resumption of training.

Steve added: “When they’re training it’s much better if they can see light at the end of the tunnel. If that happens then maybe they will stick it out.

“It’s tough for these guys if they can’t get in the gym, punch a bag and see their mates. It’s a part of their lives growing up.”