SEVEN years ago when a former member of the armed forces set up Wimborne Boxing Club it was his dream to have people from his classes compete at national level.

Within the next few weeks Dave Rimmer will have had five members compete for national titles.

“It was my dream to have a national champion at some point. To now have people going in as favourites, I would not have believed it seven years ago,” Mr Rimmer said.

“For boxers the goal is the Olympics and they will get close.”

The head-coach set up the club to help increase female participation within boxing and although it's great to have members competing nationally that's not the biggest success.

The 38-year-old said: “We’ve created an atmosphere where they feel comfortable and creating that environment is more successful.

“We work in lots of local schools running female programmes to increase female participation in sport, but particularly boxing, as well as tackling mental health."

Wimborne Boxing Club is also starting an anti-bullying programme to run in schools in the area and help more people get into sport.

“We run evening classes for four-year-olds right up to seniors. All coming to get fit and feel confident,” he added.

Mr Rimmer, who supports the #PoweringGoodTogether campaign run in partnership by Made by Sport and Allwyn, has always been involved with sport having played football and volleyball when he was in the armed forces to a high level.

He believes sport can be a daunting experience, but tries to get as many people, particularly girls, involved.

He said: “The fear of the unknown stops people from getting in sport. Just do it and get involved.

“If you go to one club and it does not work out, try another. Do not give up after your first attempt."

During the pandemic the charity Made by Sport issued three grants of £5,000 as part of a national competition to help struggling clubs across the UK.

Clubs had to submit a video about them and the work they do and “luckily we won,” added Mr Rimmer.

He said: “ It helped us continue to train youngsters outside (once restrictions initially eased). The money really helped us through a tough time so a massive thank you to them.”

For more information about the #PoweringGoodTogether campaign, visit madebysport.com/news/poweringgoodtogether.