Wessex Taekwondo Association opened its new performance training centre in Poole, marking the fulfilment of a ten-year vision by founder John Harrison.

The opening ceremony was attended by Pete Miles, Mayor of Poole, alongside Paris Olympic silver medallist Caden Cunningham, who led an inspiring seminar to nearly 40 youngsters and members of the club.

Mayor Miles praised the centre’s community spirit, saying: “What stood out more than anything was the strength of community spirit and the dedication of both the leadership and students. This new centre is a real asset to Poole.”

Harrison, who invested £80,000 of his own money to transform the former warehouse into a multi-faceted sports facility, spoke of the long-term plans: “We’re aiming to create a centre that focuses not only on taekwondo but also on overall wellbeing, with services ranging from sports psychology to fitness training.

“It has been brilliant to welcome Caden Cunningham along to our official opening and to host the seminar.  He was totally inspirational.  He gave a fantastic training session and talked to the kids about how to take the sport of taekwondo further.”

Cunningham, whose seminar was a major highlight, expressed his excitement about supporting the centre’s mission. He said the gym is perfectly positioned to develop athletes at all levels and said that it was one of the best centres that he’d seen in the south of England.

The centre already houses Scott Langston’s Back2Fitness clinic and has further plans to expand its offerings to local sports teams and the wider community. Harrison’s team has also secured a £10,000 National Lottery grant for gym equipment.