A GRANT from Sport England revealed today means an Oxford boxing school can have a permanent home for the first time in 39 years.

Oxford Boxing Academy has been given £46,000 from a Sport England fund which allows it to buy the Saxon Youth Centre in Saxon Way, Northway.

The building was previously home to the Matrix Youth Club that closed because of the cuts.

Oxfordshire County Council has agreed to sell the building to the boxing club, currently based at Wolvercote Young People’s Club.

Head coach Faz Keyani joined the club in 1976.

He said: “I am over the moon. Since I have been with Oxford Boxing Academy we have never had a permanent ring and now we can get our own facilities.

“We would be able to open seven days a week if we wanted.

“Everyone is supporting us. I have spoken to the local police who are very excited about it because it means children will be off the streets.”

The academy now intends to knock down three offices at the centre to make way for an Olympic-size boxing ring and instal showers.

The club needs to raise about £10,000 to cover the cost of the showers.

The award from Sport England was part of a £3m package of grants announced today.