Mainsforth Amateur Boxing Academy & RJR Sports & Fitness —
empowering children, championing inclusion, and changing lives
in Ferryhill & beyond.
MABEC CIC is a Community Interest Company based in Ferryhill, County Durham, built on a simple but powerful belief: that sport, fitness, and community can transform lives. We operate Mainsforth Amateur Boxing Academy alongside RJR Sports & Fitness, providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality training for juniors and adults, male and female.
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to supporting children with autism and complex needs, giving every young person the opportunity to thrive — physically, mentally, and socially.
Alongside our sport and fitness programmes, MABEC CIC provides an Alternative Education Provision during school hours — 9:30am to 2:30pm — for children who are struggling in mainstream education. We offer a nurturing, supportive environment where young people can re-engage with learning at their own pace, building the confidence and skills they need to move forward.
"More than a gym — a community that fights for every child's right to belong."
MABEC CIC · Ferryhill, County Durham · Serving the whole community since our founding
Mainsforth Amateur Boxing Academy is the flagship programme of MABEC CIC. Affiliated with amateur boxing's governing bodies, we offer expert coaching for all abilities — from absolute beginners discovering the sport for the first time, to competitive amateurs looking to step into the ring.
Our inclusive environment means juniors and seniors, males and females all train together in a supportive, respectful atmosphere. One-to-one sessions are also available for those who benefit from individual attention — including young people with autism and additional needs.
RJR Sports & Fitness is fully integrated within the MABEC CIC facility, offering a comprehensive range of fitness training programmes for all ages and abilities. Whether you're looking to build strength, improve cardiovascular health, lose weight, or simply feel better in your body — RJR Sports & Fitness has the programme and the coaches to help you get there.
Our fitness sessions complement the boxing academy and are designed to be welcoming to everyone, with particular care taken to create sessions suitable for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other additional needs.
Autism is central to the mission of MABEC CIC. Founder and CEO Richard Alan O'Neill has a deeply personal connection to the autism community — his daughter attends Evergreen Primary School in Bishop Auckland, a specialist school for children with severe and complex learning needs, including autism.
This personal experience drives MABEC's determination to create genuinely inclusive spaces where children with autism can engage in sport and fitness safely, confidently, and joyfully. Every programme we deliver is considered through an autism lens — structured, predictable, and tailored to individual needs.
We have already raised thousands of pounds in support of autism-related causes, and our ongoing commitment to the autism community remains at the very core of what we do.
Embracing Neurodiversity
The rainbow infinity symbol represents the diversity of the autism spectrum — we celebrate every child, exactly as they are.
Our classes follow clear, consistent routines to help children with autism feel safe, comfortable, and ready to engage. Predictability is key to participation.
MABEC CIC is a place where every child belongs. We actively foster an environment of respect, kindness, and mutual support among all members.
Sport and physical activity build confidence like nothing else. We celebrate every milestone — big or small — and encourage children to believe in themselves.
We actively fundraise for autism causes and local schools supporting children with complex needs, having already raised over £3,000 for vital community resources.
Richard Alan O'Neill is the driving force behind MABEC CIC. A dedicated boxing coach and passionate community advocate, Richard founded the CIC with the vision of creating a space where sport breaks down barriers and builds up people — regardless of background, age, or ability.
With a deep personal connection to the autism community through his own family, Richard has channelled that experience into building programmes that are genuinely autism-aware and inclusive. He has worked tirelessly to secure funding for the club, represented MABEC at civic level — including at Ferryhill Town Hall — and led the team to raise thousands of pounds for autism schools and children's charities in County Durham.
Richard's philosophy is simple: give every child a chance. His hands-on approach, warmth, and unshakeable belief in his community have made MABEC CIC one of the most impactful grassroots initiatives in the North East.
Our weekly timetable covers boxing, fitness, and specialist autism-friendly sessions. Times are subject to change — please contact us or follow our Facebook page for the latest schedule.
A packed charity boxing event at Mainsforth Community Centre raised £3,120 — with donations split between the Kyran Richmond Fund (Juvenile Batten disease) and Evergreen Primary School in Bishop Auckland, a specialist school for children with autism and complex needs.
MABEC CIC received a £450 grant from Ferryhill Town Council's Members Initiative Fund, presented by Councillor Angus Ferguson at Ferryhill Town Hall. Funds will support promotional signage on the club's minibus to help grow membership and attract further sponsorship.
Boxing classes for juniors and seniors, males and females, are running regularly. One-to-one sessions are available. We particularly welcome children with autism and additional needs and can adapt sessions to suit every individual.