PLAID Cymru's North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd is preparing to go into battle for a boxing club.

Mr Gruffydd stated that sports clubs are a key component in dealing with people's mental and physical health, during a visit to the Buckley Boxing Club, where 300 local people of all ages and abilities attend.

The club is run by volunteers such as Mark Field and Jim Williams, both of whom have extensive experience of mental health issues.

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They are convinced that the club is delivering key support for those struggling with their mental health, whether youngsters or former soldiers suffering from PTSD.

Mr Field, said: "In this club we develop people.

"We don’t push them to do anything they don't want to do.

"It's a family not just a boxing club and we're looking to expand our provision from five nights a week and Sunday mornings to a daytime too."

The club has been at its present site on Drury Industrial Estate for the past 10 years and is keen to ensure it has a long-term future there.

Mr Gruffydd, said: "In the short time I was there, we saw women enjoy a training session, followed by youngsters working out and there were young men training upstairs as well.

"It's a very friendly and well-managed operation with a clear goal.

"I've never had any doubt that sports of all kind help people's wellbeing beyond just the physical.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has thrust the whole issue of mental health into sharper relief and a sports club such as this offers a positive option for many who may be suffering isolation and anxiety that has been made worse due to the lockdown."

Mr Gruffydd stated that he supported the club's plans for the future.

He added: "This club is being run on a shoestring by dedicated volunteers.

"It needs security so that it can expand services and have a guarantee for the future.

"That's why I've written to Flintshire Council urging them to provide that security going forward and also any support for this and similar clubs, which really make a difference to people's everyday lives."

Accompanying Mr Gruffydd on his visit was Plaid Cymru's Buckley representative Jack Morris, who said: "It's was great to see such a positive atmosphere at the club, which caters for such a wide range of local people.

"It's really making a difference and it was good to meet Mark, Jim, Katrina, Wes and all the volunteers who help out at the club and make it such a success.

"This is a valuable, if under-valued, service to our community so I'm very pleased that Llyr is backing the club and hope that Flintshire Council will respond positively to our call for more support."