Behind every training session, every match day, every kid who turns up to play is someone who chose to show up too, a coach standing in the rain, a PE teacher staying late, a volunteer doing the kit wash for the third week running. Many of them never get thanked publicly they just keep showing up.
That's why we're launching kitround Local Heroes, an ongoing series shining a light on the people quietly powering grassroots sport across our communities. Coaches, PE teachers, club volunteers, kit washers, minibus drivers, the ones who give their time, week after week, some entirely for free, because they believe in what sport can do for people.
Each story will introduce you to a different club or team and the people behind it, why they do it, what it means to their community, and the impact it's had over the years.
First up: Lawrence Boxing Club, Lymington, a club that's been part of its community for generations. We went down to meet the people behind it -their story is coming soon.
These unsung heroes who give their time freely are doing more than running a session. They're building confidence for kids who don't fit the mould of "sporty," having a coach who believes in them can change everything.
Community clubs like Lawrence Boxing become a second home, a place to belong, providing a structure and routine. Life skills, discipline, resilience and teamwork that carry far beyond the gym or pitch.
None of this happens without someone giving up their evenings and weekends.
Do you know a Local Hero who deserves recognition for the difference they make. Tell us about them, we may want to feature them in this series and highlight all the great work they undertake.
kitround Local Heroes: celebrating the coaches and volunteers in communities
