Brighton Graduate Packs a Punch with Community Boxing Club
A fresh-faced University of Brighton graduate is turning heads in Burgess Hill with a boxing club that’s about more than just throwing punches. Lisa Houston, who bagged her Accounting and Finance degree in 2026, has co-founded South Downs Amateur Boxing Club—a buzzing hotspot championing inclusion, youth empowerment, and community spirit.
Boxing for Everyone, Not Just the Pros
Lisa teams up with seasoned coach Shaun Stepney, boasting over 20 years of combined experience and England Boxing Level 2 credentials. Together, they’re smashing barriers for diversity and accessibility. The club throws open its doors to all ages—from kids as young as five, teens, women-only sessions, to even those living with Parkinson’s. It’s a knockout mission: making boxing inclusive for everyone.
More Than Fitness: Fighting Crime and Isolation
This club isn’t just about workouts. Partnering with Burgess Hill Police, they back the “Reboot” scheme—an early intervention project steering young people away from crime. With structured training, mentorship, and a tight-knit community vibe, it’s helping teens pack a real punch against trouble and loneliness.
University Support Helps Dreams Take Off
Lisa gives credit to the University of Brighton’s student enterprise service, Beepurple, for turning her knockout idea into reality. “Workshops, one-to-one support and startup programmes helped us build a sustainable business,” she says.
Since launching in June 2025, South Downs Amateur Boxing Club has landed a real community hit—boosting mental and physical wellbeing and offering a vital support network.
What’s Next for South Downs ABC?
- Expanding sessions and upgrading facilities
- Hunting for new funding to cover equipment and running costs
- Building stronger ties with local community and police
Lisa’s message to students? “Get stuck in early, gain experience beyond the books, and use every support out there to turn your ideas into reality.” With big plans ahead, South Downs ABC isn’t just a boxing club—it’s a social game-changer ready to deliver the knockout blow to community challenges.
