England Boxing Community Club Impact Winners 2025

Sanctus Boxing Club Wins National Recognition for Outstanding Community Impact

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news — Sanctus Boxing Club has been awarded the Community Club Impact Award at the 2025 England Boxing Annual Awards!

Held at the Mercure Hotel and Spa in Sheffield on July 25th, this national award celebrates the clubs across England making a real difference in their communities. For Sanctus, based in Bradford, this accolade is a powerful acknowledgment of the hard work, vision, and commitment we’ve poured into supporting and uplifting young people through the sport of boxing.

A Vision Rooted in Purpose

Sanctus was founded in June 2021 by Shane Thewlis, a Bradford native and former national boxing champion. Having represented the Karmand Centre during his amateur career, Shane knows firsthand the discipline, focus, and respect that boxing can instil.

“Boxing can be a powerful tool to create social cohesion,” says Shane. “It was important to me when opening my own club that, as well as producing champions in the ring, we use boxing to champion young people outside of it. This award is for every coach, mentor and volunteer who shares in that mission.”

A Community-Focused Boxing Club

Sanctus offers more than just boxing classes — it’s a hub for community development, inclusion, and mental health support. Over the past year, the club has provided free boxing classes, funded school holiday programmes, and most notably, impactful Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) youth support.

Hundreds of young people have benefitted from these programmes, referred by schools, parents and local services. This holistic approach to sport and wellbeing is what truly sets Sanctus apart.

Innovative Support Through ‘ChatterBOX Therapy’

Leading the educational and therapeutic arm of Sanctus is co-founder Kathryn Thewlis, who helped pioneer a new initiative in 2025 called ChatterBOX Therapy.

“Our professional youth and community service is unique,” Kathryn explains. “ChatterBOX Therapy combines boxing training with talk therapy, delivered by our in-house cognitive behavioural therapist. It breaks down stigma and helps young people engage with support in a way that feels empowering and familiar.”

So far, 19 schools have accessed Sanctus programmes this academic year, with consistent feedback on their positive outcomes for students' mental health and emotional resilience.

An Award That Belongs to the Whole Community

Being shortlisted alongside esteemed figures like Carl Ellis (Buckingham Boxing Club) and Brendan Warburton MBE (Sheffield City), made the award especially meaningful for Shane and the team.

But this win isn’t just about one night or one club — it’s a reflection of a shared mission, supported by passionate coaches, dedicated volunteers, and a community that believes in the power of boxing beyond the ring.

Looking Ahead

As Sanctus continues to grow, this recognition serves as both a milestone and a motivator. We’re proud to stand as a shining example of how a local sports club can drive positive change, build stronger communities, and empower the next generation — inside and outside the ring.

From all of us at Sanctus — thank you!