The Al Lowe Boxing Club is much more than a gym; it’s a haven for youth in Greensboro. Founded in 1972 by Coach Al Lowe, the club was born out of a need to redirect teenage rivalry into positive action. It remains a beacon of mentorship, discipline, and opportunity for at-risk youth, particularly those from African American and Latino communities.
Tom James, a successful businessperson and longtime supporter of the club, knows firsthand the impact of this program. “I started boxing at the Al Lowe Boxing Club when I was seven years old,” Tom shares. “I was small for my age and got picked on in school. Boxing gave me something I didn’t know I needed—confidence. Coach Lowe taught us that boxing isn’t about fighting; it’s about discipline and self-control.”
Building Confidence and Discipline
Coach Al Lowe’s mission was clear: teach kids to channel their energy into the sport of boxing while instilling life skills. “Coach always said, ‘If you get angry, you’ve lost the match,’” Tom recalls. “It was never about aggression but about strategy, discipline, and keeping your composure.”
The club, which began operating at Greensboro Centenary United Methodist Church, is now based at Lindley Recreation Center. The club serves 314 active members, including 10-12 competitive boxers who travel across the Southeast to participate in U.S. Amateur Boxing Foundation matches. For many members, it’s their first exposure to organized sports or even life outside their neighborhoods.
“When these kids travel to places like Wilmington, some of them are seeing the ocean for the first time,” Tom says. “It’s about more than boxing; it’s about broadening horizons and building camaraderie.”
The Need for Support
While Greensboro Parks and Recreation funds the club’s facilities, equipment, and coach salaries, there’s no travel budget for the competitive team. Coaches and supporters like Tom James often pay out of pocket to ensure the team can compete.
“This isn’t sustainable,” Tom emphasizes. “These kids have the talent and the drive, but without financial support, we have to deny some the opportunity to travel and compete. It’s heartbreaking to tell a kid they can’t go because there’s no money.”
Tom, along with other advocates, has been working to secure funding for travel expenses through partnerships with organizations like the Greensboro Sports Foundation and One Step Further. Thanks to these efforts and advocacy from City Council Member Zack Matheny, the club now has access to city vans for transportation.
“We’ve made progress, but we need the community’s help to ensure every young boxer has the chance to compete and grow,” Tom says.
A Legacy of Dedication
The club’s current coaching staff continues the legacy of its founder. Head Coach Robert Chapman, who boxed under Coach Lowe as a child alongside Tom, exemplifies the same selfless devotion. “Robert and the other coaches give their all to these kids,” Tom says. “It’s rare to see this level of commitment. Other clubs visit us to see how it’s done.”
The Al Lowe Boxing Club is unique in Greensboro, offering young people a chance to develop skills that extend far beyond the ring. “Boxing doesn’t care about your size,” Tom explains. “It’s about stamina, discipline, and heart. Those lessons carry into everything you do.”
Get Involved
Tom has a clear message for the Greensboro community: “This program changes lives. It keeps kids off the streets and gives them confidence and purpose. Supporting the club is an investment in our youth and our community. A modest contribution can make all the difference in ensuring these kids can compete and succeed.”
For young boxers, Tom offers this advice: “Stay focused and work hard. The discipline you learn here will serve you for life.”
To support the Al Lowe Boxing Club and help fund travel expenses for its team, contact Greensboro Parks Foundation. Together, we can ensure that this vital program continues to transform lives and build a stronger, more connected community.
