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In 2011, the Somerville Youth Development and Boxing Club opened its doors in the basement of the Edgerly School (formerly Somerville Trade School). Since that time, hundreds, if not thousands, of kids have come through those doors. Some looking for a place to work out, some looking for someone to talk to, others looking for help in some way, shape or form. Our main objective was to help kids who didn’t fit into the mainstream of other organized youth sports. Through homework assistance, drug and alcohol counseling, and employment assistance, we were able to keep many kids in school, out of the court system and free from drugs and alcohol.
Everything that was accomplished through The Somerville Youth and Development Boxing Club was only made possible because of the generosity and foresight of the City of Somerville. This includes former Mayor Joe Curtatone, current Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Somerville Police Department, Somerville Recreation, Somerville DPW, Somerville School Department and the Probation Department of the Somerville District Court. All have worked hand in hand with the Somerville Boxing Club in achieving the many success stories that have come out of the club in the last twelve years.
It’s important to remember, twelve years can take its toll on any organization, especially one that is run completely by volunteers. The fact is that the club has been in disarray for the past few months and that is why the doors are currently locked. It was not because of any desire by the city.
The timing of this just happens to coincide with the closing of the Winter Hill School and the city’s need to find a home for hundreds of students and staff by September. From what I understand, a final decision hasn’t been made yet, but the entire Edgerly building is under consideration, the boxing club being just a small part of that building. The boxing club is not being singled out by the city, and furthermore, we are happy to work with them to solve this space problem.
The Mayor and Recreation Department are working diligently with us to get the boxing club back to the successful, well-run organization it has always been. This may or may not be at the Edgerly School, but I can assure you that the city is doing everything possible to help us. We appreciate everything the city has done for us in the past and everything they’re doing in the present to assist us.
Sincerely,
Bruce Desmond
Somerville Youth and Development Boxing Club Board of Directors
Somerville Youth and Development Boxing Club Board of Directors
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Thank you Bruce for the letter. Thank you to you and all the people that made it possible including former Mayor Curtatone and all the guys that volunteered their time and sweat to keep the club going. It still makes me sad to think we may not be back in the same place. Where will we go?