Ealing Boxing Club Celebrates Commonwealth Gold

Powerday Hooks gets backing from councillor over long-term future

Members of Powerday Hooks with Cllr Connie Hersch

August 10, 2026

Ealing’s Powerday Hooks Boxing Club is celebrating a remarkable double victory after two of its young athletes won gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games — achievements that have shone a spotlight not only on the club’s sporting success but also on its vital role in the community.

Liberal Democrat councillor Connie Hersch visited the club this week to congratulate gold medallists Patrice Mughulazai and Damar Thomas, praising the dedication of the volunteers and coaches who helped propel the pair to international success. The club, established more than a decade ago, has long punched above its weight: in its early years it produced Olympian James DeGale, who went on to win both Olympic and World titles.

But beyond elite competition, Powerday Hooks has become a second home for young people across Ealing. Its outreach programme focuses strongly on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, and actively encourages participation from women and girls. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Newland, volunteers support anyone who wants to learn boxing, instilling discipline, teamwork and the work ethic required to train six days a week.

For Mughulazai and Thomas, the club has been transformative. They learned not only how to fight, but how to commit, persevere and become role models for younger members. Their victories, Councillor Hersch said, are the product of talent supported by a network of coaches, volunteers, families and friends — even if one champion’s mother still cannot bring herself to watch the bouts.

Despite its achievements, the club’s future is uncertain. Powerday Hooks operates from a small hall within the Old Actonians sports ground on Popes Lane, where the council is the freeholder. Although supported by sponsors and a wider organisation, the club has not been granted the right to hold its own lease — a situation that now threatens its long‑term stability.

Cllr Hersch, who leads on Culture, Sport & Communities for the Liberal Democrats, said the council must act to secure the club’s future. “Powerday Hooks Boxing Club is a super example of how grassroots sports not only produce national sporting heroes but show the importance of volunteers without whom none of it would be possible,” she said. “The council needs to guarantee the right of the club to have control over their own destiny within Ealing. Support of such institutions for the benefit of young people in the community is essential. It is a source of civic pride and produces winners.”