We caught up with coach, Chas Driscoll, from St Edmund Boxing to find out more about their growing community and why they’re opening their doors on Christmas Day.
The club first launched in February 2024, hiring out local community centres and welcoming anyone who fancied giving boxing a go.
“The aim was to offer boxing to everyone,” Chas explains. “Not just people who could already box or want to compete in the ring. It’s more of a ‘come along and try it’ in a friendly, less pressurised atmosphere.”
It didn’t take long for sessions to fill up. Before they knew it, the club was running five weekly classes and seeing around 250 people through the doors each week.
“We saw enough people every week to realise there was a demand for it,” he says.
In 2025, Chas partnered with education provider Push Forward and opened a permanent space at Brunel Business Court in Bury St Edmunds. When the gym opened on 1 July, it took off immediately.
“Since then, every night has sold out.” he says proudly.
Now the club runs kids’ sessions, women-only groups, disability classes and adult training, with 20 competitive
boxers now proudly representing Bury nationwide.
But behind the boxing gloves and the bags, this gym has become something much more than a place to train.
Opening the doors on Christmas Day
Christmas is a special time for many, but it can also feel incredibly isolating. The club sees itself as a safe hub for the community, and that won’t stop on Christmas Day.
“We feel like we need to give to the community,” Chas shares. “Not just through boxing, but by supporting people when they need it.”
From 8am to 11am on 25 December 2025, the gym is inviting anyone who may be alone or finding the festive period difficult to come along.
They’ll be offering free boxing gloves for anyone who wants to have a go, but there’s no expectation to train. You can simply enjoy a cup of tea, have a chat, or just be around friendly faces.
For adults in recovery or for those who would prefer a space away from the pressures and drinking culture often tied to the day, this is a welcoming alternative.
“Christmas Day can be a day where everyone pops open the champagne at 9am,” Chas says. “If they don’t want to be around booze all day, they can come here for three hours, talk to the coaches, take their mind off things.”
Families are welcome too, whether budgets are tight or you just want to get out of the house for a while.
And if you’re a parent who isn’t with your children that morning, this is a space for you as well.
“There’ll be mums and dads feeling sad they’re not spending the whole day with their kids,” Chas says. “They can come in, feel supported, and before they know it, it’ll be time to go and see them.”
Meat and Greet will be providing food on the day, along with cakes from Katy’s Kitchen. Morton Hall Men’s Mental Health Group will also be there offering extra support if anyone needs it.
“Even if someone is only here for 20 minutes, if we can make them smile during that time, that’s what matters.”
Boxing as a force for good
For Chas, it’s about much more than physical fitness. He’s passionate about supporting young people who may be struggling.
“Kids sit in front of screens all day,” he says. “Confidence can be knocked, especially when they’re unsure what comes next after school.”
Boxing helps to build resilience, discipline and a sense of belonging long before anyone sets foot in a ring.
“You never have to box competitively,” he explains. “You gain fitness, routine, motivation, you start seeing a difference in yourself.”
And just as importantly: “You automatically get a family when you’re part of a boxing club.”
He laughs, acknowledging the unique respect within the sport:
“It’s the only sport where you can punch someone and then ten minutes later, you’re hugging them and saying well done.”
Because everyone understands the bravery it takes to step up.
St Edmund Boxing is more than a gym; it’s a place to feel stronger, supported, and connected. And this Christmas, a place where nobody has to be alone.
We also donated boxing gloves for the event, so that as many people as possible can take part in such a worthwhile morning.
If you are looking for a community this Christmas, please consider St Edmund Boxing Club, 12 Brunel Business Court, Bury St Edmunds. No need to book, just turn up and have fun.
“I am so grateful to Havebury and the other local business who have donated to make Christmas Day a success.” – Chas
The post St Edmund Boxing – building confidence, connection and community appeared first on Havebury Homes.