Phone - (413) 310-2187 | | Address- 355 Berkshire Ave Springfield, MA 01109
About Us
About Central City Boxing & Barbell
Step into the world of Central City Boxing & Barbell, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through structured programs that prioritize character development and education.
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Established in 2015 by Springfield Police Officer Dean Fay, Central City Boxing & Barbell Inc. operates a 6,000-square-foot training facility nestled in the heart of the Old Hill neighborhood in Springfield. Our mission is clear: to utilize boxing, weight training, and performance-based athletic programs to assist young individuals in cultivating physical, mental, and emotional strength. Through these endeavors, we aim to inspire a sense of teamwork and support our youth in reaching their full potential.
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​At Central City Boxing & Barbell, we collaborate with dedicated volunteers and graduate interns from Springfield College’s Exercise Science Program. Together, we provide a comprehensive range of activities to over 100 youth members. Our holistic approach emphasizes the development of not only athletic skills but also essential life skills, creating a well-rounded foundation for future success.
Meet The Founder
Central City Boxing & Barbell Inc. was founded by Dean Fay, a Springfield Police Officer and a native of Holyoke, MA. Dean grew up playing football, hockey, baseball, and boxing and later joined the military, where he discovered powerlifting.
After his enlistment, he served as a police officer and went to college to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice. He also coached youth athletics and played semi-professional football. In 2003, the Golden Gloves, a staple of Holyoke for 50 years, was relocated to Connecticut, leaving a void in the community.
COACHES
Dean
Stan
Bill
Kirk
Dean saw the need for structured programs for at-risk youth and brought the Golden Gloves back to Western Mass in 2013. The tournament was a great success, and Dean was awarded the permanent franchise in 2015. He also approached the Police Commissioner to start a Police Athletic League that would integrate the police with the community.
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Department with the community, using athletics and structured programs to engage the youth and prevent them from falling into a life of crime. The Police Athletic League was approved, and with the success of the Western New England Golden Gloves and strong community support, the Police Athletic League was launched in 2016.
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With the success of the Police Athletic League and the Golden Gloves, Dean saw an opportunity to expand the mission and create a community center that would offer structured programs to the at-risk youth, teaching them the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
This community center would also provide a safe environment for the youth, and with the support of the community and corporate sponsors, Central City Boxing & Barbell was born.
Our Impact
Department with the community, using athletics and structured programs to engage the youth and prevent them from falling into a life of crime. The Police Athletic League was approved, and with the success of the Western New England Golden Gloves and strong community support, the Police Athletic League was launched in 2016.
With the success of the Police Athletic League and the Golden Gloves, Dean saw an opportunity to expand the mission and create a community center that would offer structured programs to at-risk youth, teaching them the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. This community center would also provide a safe environment for the youth, and with the support of the community and corporate sponsors, Central City Boxing & Barbell was born.