BILLY Reynolds is rightly proud of the amateur boxing club where he coaches. The George Street-based St Joseph's club in Newport is enjoying its most successful season.

They have won 12 Welsh championship titles, including a first senior champion since 1984.

The season is far from over for flyweight Matthew Edmonds who is representing Wales in the upcoming Commonwealth games in Manchester. Matthew will be joined by club president Roy Chambers who is Welsh team manager.

But for Billy Reynolds it is not just the champions and the medals that represent the success of the club but its role in the community.

Billy said: "This club has become a focal point for people living round here. Kids start coming in from the age of 10 to get fit, meet other people and grow in confidence and ability.

"The boys are here training and being part of something constructive instead of being out somewhere getting into trouble.

"This is a very multi racial area and the gym reflects that. The club helps to break down barriers between people of different cultures.

"If you're here making friends with all kinds of people you understand more about each others backgrounds.

"Now I can even speak enough Arabic to conduct the odd training session in the language. When we're exercising we count off in French and all sorts, it helps bring people together.

"When a group of lads from a different culture first come in they can be a bit suspicious but before long everyone learns to trust one another".

The club has about 60 schoolboys on the books who pay £1 a week to use the gym's extensive facilities and learn from the experienced coaching staff.

It is so cheap because the club receives sponsorship from local businesses who Billy says have always been really supportive.

One of those schoolboys is Mohammed Nasar, 16, from Pill who is British champion in his weight class. Mohammed said: "I've been training here about six years and it's a great place. I first got into boxing after watching some fights on TV. I'd like to turn pro one day, I'm going to be better than Prince Naseem.

"Boxing is a great sport, it gets you fit and keeps you out of trouble." The gym is open to allcomers every week night from 5pm-7.30pm. Monday night is for beginners starting with exercise and basic training.

Everyone at the club gets a medical examination and certificate before being allowed to fight.

For more information call 01633 663003