CRAIG Jenkinson’s dedication to building a vibrant community of boxers has earned him a Proud of Barnsley nomination.
As the volunteer head coach for B.O.D.Y Carnegie, Craig, affectionately known as Jenks, helps run the centre, which is located in Bolton-upon-Dearne.
As a self-sustaining charity, the centre aims to unite the community through sports and group activities.
Jenks is a 15-year, 61-fight veteran boxer who won eight titles in four weight divisions.
He hopes to share his wealth of experience, especially to inspire the younger generation.
His volunteering journey started when he first joined the centre to train in 2018, officially becoming a volunteer head coach in December 2024.
Jenks transformed an empty gym with no students into a bustling and energetic community, with a wealth of novice fighters competing across the country.
He dedicates around 30 hours a week and runs a range of boxing and fitness classes for all ages and abilities, hoping to engage the community and keep them fit.
Nobody is excluded from their vibrant community, with costs being kept to the very minimum to champion accessibility.
The club trains both juniors from age four up and hosts adult classes, meaning that everyone can get stuck in.
When the residents can’t get to the gym, Jenks resolves to go to them.
Jenks has recently gone above and beyond with his volunteering efforts, giving fitness lessons to elderly regulars at ‘B:Friend’ classes.
The club regularly engages with community events, helping to raise money for other charities, as well as fundraising to repair their roof at the centre itself.
Recently, Jenks extended his legacy to his students, taking five of his boxing team to a Civic reception for Callum Simpson in Barnsley Town Hall.
Despite his great success, both individually and as a community legend, it hasn’t always been easy for Jenks.
Jenks admits that he set off on the wrong path, with the wrong crowd, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction earlier in his life.
Now, Jenks hopes to give hope and inspiration to a new legion of boxers, celebrating the transformative power of sports, fitness and community.
He said: “Boxing has turned my life around - I want to pass my knowledge and experience on to the youth.”
Nominator, Councillor Deborah Pearson, added: “He is an incredible personality and an excellent role model who has overcome so much adversity in his own life
“Now, he gives his all to helping others along the right path.
“His title is head coach, however Craig is so much more than that.
“He is an absolute inspiration to all who meet him, and a shining star in Barnsley’s Dearne South ward.”
