Six London boroughs will benefit from 12 new community boxing hubs as part of a scheme funded by Sport England and the Mayor of London’s Office.

Known as British Lionhearts in the Community, the initiative is designed to increase grassroots boxing participation in the capital, and aims to engage with more than 2,600 men, women and children.

The 12 gyms will be set up in schools and clubs in the boroughs of Westminster, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, Enfield, Harrow and Tower Hamlets. As well as infrastructure and equipment, training and opportunities will be provided to enable local people to get involved as coaches, officials and volunteers.

Sport England has pledged £43,900 (US$62,098, €56,692) towards the project, while the Mayor’s Office has earmarked £25,000 (US$35,384, €32,292).

“It is less than four years since that incredible summer when Nicola Adams and Anthony Joshua warmed the hearts of the nation by winning gold at the London Olympics,” said mayor of London, Boris Johnson. “We have been working hard to build on their incredible success and I am delighted to back this scheme, which is taking the sport out to Londoners with the aim of boosting participation levels across the capital.”

Sport England director of sport, Phil Smith, added: “Boxing as a sport is growing in popularity, and this programme offers a great opportunity to help get even more people involved with their local clubs.”

The project is linked to the British Lionhearts team – the partnership between GB Boxing and the International Boxing Association – which competes in the World Series of Boxing. Joe Joyce, the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, boxes for the Lionhearts and helped unveil the initiative in Covent Garden.