By Paul Amourdedieu
RECENTLY, over 100 ex-members of the South Norwood & Victory Amateur Boxing Club gathered in Croydon for a special reunion to honour the club’s founder and long-time coach, Terry Smith.
At 85 years old, Terry has dedicated almost six decades of his life to guiding young boxers and helping them develop both in the ring and as individuals. The reunion was a heartfelt occasion, with attendees travelling from across the UK and messages of support pouring in from around the world, all expressing their gratitude for the impact Terry has had on their lives.
Terry founded South Norwood & Victory ABC in 1979, with a vision to not only train boxers but to offer a safe space where young boys and men could develop important life values like discipline, respect, and perseverance. Over the years, he has become a mentor and role model to countless individuals, shaping their futures well beyond the sport of boxing.
Through South Norwood & Victory, Terry and his co-coaches, have created numerous champions in both the amateur ranks, a number of whom had major success at professional level.
Among those attending the reunion was Joshua Buatsi, the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist and one of the club’s most famous alumni. Buatsi, who started boxing under Terry’s guidance as a teenager, spoke highly of his former coach. “Terry didn’t just teach us how to box; he taught us how to be better men. The values he instilled in me—discipline, resilience, respect—are things I carry with me every day, both in and out of the ring. I owe him so much.”
Mark Gillespie, a co-coach at the South Norwood & Victory Amateur Boxing Club and a former multiple national junior champion, who organised the reunion, paid tribute to Terry’s influence both in and out of the ring. He reflected: “Like many others from the club, Terry has been like a second father to me. Beyond his incredible dedication and expertise as a boxing coach—helping us develop our technical skills and passion for the sport—Terry invested in us as people. He taught us life lessons that went far beyond boxing, instilling in us a sense of personal pride and self-worth.”
Mark added that Terry’s impact extended into teaching valuable social and life skills that have shaped many young boxers’ futures. “He taught us how to carry ourselves with discipline and respect, how to handle failure, and how to support one another both as athletes and as people. These were lessons in resilience, responsibility, and leadership that have stayed with us for life and positively influenced both our family and work lives.”
This quote further illustrates Terry’s holistic approach to coaching, highlighting that his legacy isn’t just about the sport itself, but about how he helped mould confident and capable young men prepared to face life’s challenges.
Other members echoed similar sentiments, emphasising how Terry’s influence helped them navigate personal challenges and grow as individuals. One long-time member, recalled, “When I first joined the club as a kid, I was heading down the wrong path. Terry believed in me when no one else did, and he gave me a sense of direction. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
The reunion not only celebrated Terry’s dedication but also highlighted the lasting impact of South Norwood & Victory ABC on the local community. Former boxers, many now successful in their personal and professional lives, spoke of the club’s influence in shaping who they are today. Messages from former members who couldn’t attend in person came in from as far away as Spain and Thailand, underscoring the reach of Terry’s legacy.
Reflecting on the evening, Terry, with his characteristic humility, expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. “I never expected anything like this. All I ever wanted was to help these boys find their way, both in boxing and in life. Seeing them all grown up and doing well – it’s the best reward I could ask for.”
As Terry enters his 86th year, his commitment to the members of the club and their family’s remains as strong as ever. South Norwood & Victory ABC was not just a boxing club – it was a community, a family, and a testament to one man’s unwavering dedication to the betterment of others.
The reunion served as a powerful reminder of Terry Smith’s enduring legacy, both in the sport of boxing and in the countless lives he has touched.
