A local sports club fears for its future after the council put its site up for auction.

Blackbeard MMA Community Hub, situated at Unit 26, Wexham Business Village, Wexham Road, say they are "urgently seeking support" to preserve the "vital community resource" that is their club.

The sports club, which was founded in 2010, primarily serves hundreds of young people aged 12 to 17 and says they do a lot to keep youth off the streets.

On August 28 lead coach Nomaan Khalid found out that Slough Borough Council had listed their site for auction, with no prior notice to the club.

Nomaan said: "In an unexpected turn of events, the Slough Borough Council has put the beloved community hub up for bidding to private investors, without providing prior notification to the Blackbeard MMA organisation or allowing them the opportunity for first refusal."

The club hopes to rally the community together with the aim of saving the club from being turned out should another party purchase the site.

Associated organisation The Blackbeard Community Projects CIC, a non-profit organisation, is dedicated to enhancing the Slough community through a wide range of activities, workshops, and support services - aimed at empowering and equipping youth. 

Nomaan said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden turn of events that has put the future of the Blackbeard MMA Community Hub in jeopardy.

"Our hub is more than just a building; it is the heart and soul of our community, a place where dreams are nurtured, and lives are transformed.

"We have consistently strived to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Slough, and it is disheartening to see our efforts jeopardised."

Community members and supporters of Blackbeard MMA are urgently calling for the Slough Borough Council to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions that will allow the hub to continue its vital work.

"We implore the Slough Borough Council to reconsider their decision to auction off our community hub," continued Nomaan.

"There are numerous vacant buildings in Slough, and we believe that preserving the Blackbeard MMA Community Hub would be a testament to their commitment to community development. Together, we can ensure that this valuable resource remains accessible to the people it serves."

The Observer approached the council on their decision to sell the site, which they said is part of the council's Disposal Strategy.

A spokesperson from Slough Borough Council said: “The sale of the freehold of the property will not affect the current tenant's occupancy or terms of the original lease.

"The property is being sold with the lease in place, so he will be able to continue his operations as they are at the moment, under a new owner.

"Any new owner may be in a better position than the council to invest in the building. The current leaseholder is welcome to bid on the freehold at auction." 

The auction is set to take place on Thursday, September 21 with a guide price of £175,000.

A petition has been launched to remove the site from public sale. It can be found here.