Police Community Clubs GB (PCCGB)

In 1992 four serving Metropolitan Police officers wished to address the growing problem of young people roaming the streets of London’s inner city areas. The idea of opening gymnasiums in order to attract these youngsters into the disciplined, friendly and structured environment of a sports centre was conceived.

Their first Police Community gymnasium was located within the then, Metropolitan Police, 7 Area Headquarters, The Mall, Kenton.

A great deal of thought was put into identifying an activity that would be attractive to these youngsters. After considerable research, Amateur Boxing was felt to be the ideal vehicle to attract the specific groups they wished to target. They enlisted the help of correctly trained coaches who shared the aims of the officers and opened the doors of the gymnasium.

This club proved to be an instant and resounding success.

Placed as it was, within a police establishment with limited space and access times, the founders were surprised by the number of youngsters who came forward to join. It rapidly became apparent that the complex at the police headquarters was too small. A new location was urgently required.

In 1993, in partnership with Brent Council, a fire damaged gymnasium was identified in Harlesden, London. This premises was ideal.

It would not be discourteous to the residents of this area to state that here, at that time, was a centre of inner city deprivation, plagued by unemployment and crime and populated by families who cried out for a facility where their children would be safe, learn discipline, and obtain a purpose in their lives, together with participating in sporting activities. We provided that facility.