Scottish amateur club's funding wiped out by wound up company

A couple of years ago when district secretary of the Northern District in ABS, I had the pleasure of inspecting and approving the Lochaber Phoenix ABC in their premises in the shadow of Ben Nevis, and having gained approval, the official opening of the club was for the local kids a real highlight. It is with great sadness then that I find that the old adage about "If something seems to be too good to be true then it probably is" holds good in Fort William.

The local amateur club was delighted to be offered two rings for a fraction of the costs by an organisation called the "National Task Force" based in Belfast. No-one ought to be surprised then, when this outfit went bust and the Phoenix had their fingers well and truly burnt.

Niall Clark, a coach at the Fort William club, is quoted as saying: "This has wiped out our funds. I am gutted for the boys."

Niall also said: "NTF claimed to be a non-profitmaking organisation who wanted to help community groups. They said they gave large discounts to voluntary organisations."

Niall paid £1650 for a competition ring and a further £1016 for a training ring by bank transfer to Mark Townley's personal account. When nothing arrived, Niall phoned NTF to be told that there was a hold-up at the suppliers.

Niall said: "We were given excuse after excuse."

Then he received a letter claiming the firm had ceased trading.

The Fort William club it would appear, are not alone. Glasgow club Kelvin ABC and Durie's Boxing Gym, in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, are apparently also out of pocket financially having succumbed to the persuasive Mr Townley.

Amateur boxing clubs beware!

There's a story on this Townley character and NTF on the link below, in which he claims to be 'living on benefits' and has no money:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11011286