Stab victim's boxing club given £4,000 to combat gangs

A BOXING club where knife victim Ben Kinsella was once a member has been given £4,000 to help young people.

The Times Amateur Boxing Club, in Tiber Gardens near King's Cross, also gives young people football training.

The cash has been donated by Islington council and will be used to pay for equipment, travel costs and football league entry fees.

The funds will be targeted at young people thought to be at risk of becoming involved in gang-related activity.

The club, founded in 1927, is also trying to raise £2million for a centre to be named in honour of 16-year-old Ben, who died after being stabbed in York Way in May. Three youths are to go on trial in April and deny murder.

Club coach David Ryan said: "The work done here is really unbelievable. Kids that are angry or aggressive can find another way to take it out with discipline, rather than in gangs.

"Ben's death has made us more determined to press ahead with our work." Councillor Terry Stacy said: "This money will help the club make a real difference."