A new amateur boxing club opens its doors next month - and is giving people a sneak peek this weekend.

Kyle Neilson came up with the idea for Alpha Amateur Boxing Club and set it up on the Isis Industrial Estate off Shrivenham Road with help from Neilson Boxing CEO Mark Neilson. 

The club is having an open day from 9am to 1pm this Sunday ahead of its first official session on July 3.

Mark said: "Swindon is a town that has produced an unusually high number of professional boxers for a town of its size, including my own father Eddie Neilson, who was a top-ranked heavyweight in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

"He regularly featured on terrestrial TV, fighting household names such as Joe Bugner and Frank Bruno. This tradition continued with the likes of Pete Neal, Ricky Porter, Jamie Cox plus many more.

"One thing they all had in common was learning their trade in the amateur clubs.

“The amateur club will be located at our gym, Alpha Boxing & Fitness, which was the obvious base.

"As a teenager, I boxed for a local club and the amateur scene was thriving. Over the years, the number of clubs has diminished and it seemed a natural progression to start an amateur club, given our deep involvement in local boxing.”

Local boxers attending the open day include World Title challenger Jamie Cox and former Commonwealth champ Luke Watkins, along with Kelvin Young and Pete Neal.

Club secretary Kyle Neilson, added: “We’re excited to get the club up and running. Having passed our England Boxing inspection with flying colours, we are really keen to get going.

"Amateur boxers can fight up to the age of 40, and affiliation with England Boxing enables amateur boxers to represent their country and, ultimately, box in the Olympics.

“Our coaches are enthusiastic about helping individuals who walk through our doors to develop their self-confidence and work through any anxieties or mental health issues they may have.

"Finally being ready for the club to open is such an achievement and pleasure, especially in current times of financial constraints”.

Visitors can view the premises, meet the coaches, and get free pad sessions, and sign up.

Head Coach Gary Venton said: said: "I am confident that the club will become a well-used facility and meeting place, to train and improve fitness but to make new friends”.