Boxer Scott Welch setting up youth club in Lancing

Scott Welch, nicknamed The Brighton Rock, is behind the transformation of a derelict clubhouse in Monks recreation ground, Lancing.

It is part of an education programme by the World Boxing Council to bring the principles of boxing, “diversity, sportsmanship and dedication” to vulnerable people.

The Argus has revealed how neighbourhoods have been plagued by youth crime from Worthing to Hove.

Scott Welch, left, and Matt Etherington at Monks recreation ground (Image: Newsquest)

Scott, 54, said: “We came along here and saw the potential with the building. We saw there is a problem with the kids.

“Since youth clubs were all closed, youth disorder has been a major problem.

“We thought that if we opened the building we could make a difference, it could help these children put their mind to something and achieve.

“We run similar programmes across Sussex.

“Being an ex-boxer in my generation you generally don’t come from a nice background.

“I was in trouble with the police growing up, boxing sorted my life.

“I walked into my gym at 16 and am still there 38 years later and achieved great things.

The building is currently unused (Image: Newsquest)

“There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for these children, whether that be through boxing or any other sports we offer.

“The plan is to have a range of programmes running from here. If they love football or whatever we think they will be good at we will put them in. We will have music sessions.”

Scott is chairman of WBC Cares UK, which runs schemes across the country.

It has several in Sussex, including in Brighton and Hove, Storrington, Worthing and  Billingshurst.

Matt Etherington, 32, a former Royal Marine who is the programme co-ordinator, said: “We are an organisation that promotes boxing but we also are involved with youth engagement and social change.

From left, Scott Welch, Mike Mendoza and Matt Etherington (Image: Newsquest)

“We want children to be able to come and engage and be able to come and speak with people their own age and the adults offering programmes here.

“We are moving into the world of education and employment. These programmes are signposting towards creating a generational change. We need a long-term change in areas where youths have no future or aren’t thinking about their future.

“They need direction on where to go and to know there is opportunities for them.”

Mike Mendoza, chairman of Lancing Parish Council, said: “Having been worried about youth crime in Lancing and hearing about the great work carried out by WBC Cares, I approached Scott Welch to find out what we can do to alleviate or solve the problem.

“Our main area of concern over antisocial behaviour is around the area by Co-op which leads into an equally worrying area at Monks recreation ground.

“I arranged to meet Scott and he immediately saw the condemned pavilion and asked if he can use it as a youth club.

“The parish council own both the land and pavilion and have plans to regenerate the park.

“WBC Cares offered to take on the building and totally refurbish it at zero cost to the council.”