FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 How old do I have to be to join Astley V.I.P?
We welcome new members from nine years of age. We do not accept any new members under the age of nine.
 Do I need to have boxing experience to attend training sessions?
No - new starters and novice boxers are always welcome to come down to the gym and join in. However, you should note that we are a boxing club and therefore all aspects of our training involve boxing activities, which can include some degree of physical contact.
 How much does it cost to train at Astley V.I.P?
Training fees are £2 per session for 9-16yrs and £2.50 per session for 17-34yrs. There is no joining fee.
 Do I need my own training kit?
No - Astley V.I.P has skipping ropes and gloves that you can borrow but we do recommend that all members buy their own kit where possible. Training kit (tracksuit, shorts, t-shirt) must be worn at all times in the gym. You cannot train in jeans, school uniforms or work clothes.
 Will I be sparring straight away?
No - you will not spar until the coaches at the club are happy that you have learnt the skills and technique required to spar safely.
 How long will I need to train before I can spar?
Every person is different so the amount of training needed to reach the standard where you can start sparring is different for everyone - some people will reach the required standard very quickly where as others may take longer.
 What will I be doing during training sessions at the gym?
We try to make all the sessions different so that the training doesn't get boring and so that you have the chance to learn all the skills needed to be an amateur boxer but generally the session will consist of a warm up (skipping. shadow boxing and stretching), skill work (partner work and pad work), fitness (bag work), circuits and a warm down (skipping, shadow boxing and stretching). For more experienced boxers a session will also include some sparring and some strength training. We also include sprints and shuttle runs when required.
 I box for another Club - can I still train at Astley V.I.P?
No - not without permission from your current Club. If you are registered with another ABA Club then you will not be allowed to train at Astley V.I.P unless your Club contacts us in advance. We welcome other Club's for sparring by arrangement but boxers from other Clubs must be accompanied by their Club coach at all times. Club coaches should contact Damian Jones to arrange sparring.
 I want to transfer to Astley V.I.P from another Club - what do I do?
Before you contact Astley V.I.P you should speak to your Club coach and explain what you are planning to do. We will not speak to any registered boxer from another Club until they have spoken to their current Club and explained their reasons for wanting to leave.
 I am a local company and I want to support the Club - how do I help?
Astley V.I.P is a boxing club that is run on an entirely voluntary basis - any money made by the Club is reinvested into the Club to improve facilities and purchase equipment, and help offer our members the highest standard of coaching that we can whilst keeping their training fees as low as possible. Therefore, we will always welcome assistance with running costs no matter how small or large the contribution. If you would like to discuss potential options for sponsorship of the Club please contact Damian Jones / 01942 275634.