De Hood Boxing Centre

The “De Hood Boxing Centre” is a prominent gym and community hub located in the Manor & Castle Ward of Sheffield. Established in 2012 by Reagan Denton, a former Professional Boxer and Head Boxing Coach, the centre aims to engage young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour by providing them with constructive activities.

As a registered charity (No: 1186218) and a company limited by guarantee (No: CEO19498), De Hood Boxing Centre is committed to changing lives and improving communities. It boasts a dedicated team of 20 volunteers who contribute approximately 400 hours per week or 19,000 hours per year, offering an in-kind value of over 100,000 annually (based on UK Living Wage).

The gym operates from a former primary school building in the eastern part of Sheffield, with overall control granted by the Local Authority Sheffield City Council. With over 500 members, De Hood welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities, emphasising inclusivity, accessibility, and equality.

The facility consists of a fitness gym and a large, fully equipped boxing hall. The fitness gym offers a spacious suite featuring weights, running machines, cross-trainers, bikes, and multi-gyms. The coaching team, led by founder Reagan Denton, comprises 20 volunteers who are all DBS checked and safeguarding trained. Visitors interested in discussing their health and exercise needs or booking a session can contact the gym directly.

The boxing hall includes three rings: one professional-sized 22ft ring and two smaller training rings. Additionally, the well-equipped space houses 24 hanging punch bags, wall-mounted punch balls, and a fully matted circuit track. In this area, De Hood offers boxercise sessions tailored to individual needs, incorporating activities like running, circuit training, bench presses, and bag work. All sessions are closely supervised by the trained and qualified team of dedicated volunteers.

Reagan Denton personally oversees the training of 20 young amateur boxers registered with England Boxing, preparing them to compete at amateur level in local, regional, and national competitions.

Aside from its gym facilities, De Hood Boxing Centre takes pride in its community involvement. In addition to providing health and fitness benefits, the centre offers benefits advice, healthy eating guidance, and an active recovery group for individuals striving to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. The centre uses participation in health, fitness, and exercise as tools to engage children and young people in positive activities, preventing their involvement in crime, drugs, and antisocial behaviour. It also actively works toward averting their vulnerability to gangs operating in the street-based drugs trade.

De Hood Boxing Centre has garnered strong support from various local agencies and organisations in its mission, including The South Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner.

For more information on the De Hood Boxing Centre and to explore its activities and services, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the gym's website or get in touch through the provided contact information.