A small but fiercely ambitious boxing club from Felling, Gateshead, has delivered a monumental statement on the international stage, returning from Sweden with an extraordinary medal haul that proves grassroots clubs can not only compete with but triumph over Europe's elite.
Remarkable Medal Tally from a Modest Squad
The team travelled to the prestigious Golden Girls Tournament, entering just six boxers into one of Europe's largest female boxing competitions. Over three demanding days of intense action, the squad contested 12 bouts, securing an impressive 10 victories and winning a total of four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. For a club still only in its second competitive season, these results are nothing short of remarkable.
The coaching team expressed their pride, stating: "We're just a little club from Felling, to be competing on stages like this against some of the best boxers in Europe and coming away with gold medals is absolutely amazing. It shows what can be achieved with commitment, belief, and hard work."
Standout Performances and Rising Stars
Leading the charge was Brogan Darrie, who continued her incredible run of form by extending her unbeaten record to an astonishing 21-0. This achievement solidifies her status as one of the club's standout talents and a boxer to watch on both national and international levels.
Gold medals were also secured by Ali Baldwin, Leah Paylor, and Imogen Paylor, each delivering dominant performances to top their respective categories and significantly contribute to the club's remarkable medal tally.
Silver and Bronze Medals Add to the Glory
Another highlight of the tournament came from Lexi March, who battled her way to a silver medal after a high-quality final against an experienced Italian champion. Despite late changes to bout conditions, she produced a composed and fearless performance that earned huge praise from her coaches and teammates.
Completing the medal haul was Teigan King, who secured a hard-earned bronze medal. Teigan started the tournament by defeating the Scottish national champion on day one before facing a very tough draw in the semi-final against the eventual winner. Her bronze medal was a testament to her resilience, and the coaching team said they are incredibly proud of her efforts.
Outshining Elite Opposition
The club's success stood out even among elite competition. The tournament's Best Team award was claimed by a squad of 21 national-level boxers who secured five gold medals. In contrast, the Felling team achieved four golds from just six entries—an achievement that drew admiration from across the competition and highlighted the exceptional quality of coaching within the gym.
Inspiring the Local Community
Back home in Felling, pride in the team is sky-high, and the club hopes this success will inspire more young people locally to get involved in sport. The coaching team added: "If anyone is thinking about getting their kids into a sport, get them along to their local boxing gym. Boxing teaches discipline, confidence, and resilience, and as this weekend has shown, it can open doors to opportunities far beyond what you might expect."
Gratitude to Supporters and Coaches
The club also extended heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and supporters whose backing and fundraising efforts made the trip possible, as well as the coaches who put in countless hours behind the scenes to help these young athletes succeed. With international medals now added to their growing list of achievements, the future looks incredibly bright for this small club with big ambitions.
