Boxing clever

A school in Peterborough is introducing after school amateur boxing classes for boys and girls from the ages of 11 to 16.

The initative, supported by Escape Fitness at The Voyager School will be strictly non-contact and focus on teaching technique, which can lead to accredited awards – preliminary, standard, bronze, silver and gold – from the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA)

Members of the Royal Navy Boxing Club helped launch the first eight week course last month, Peterborough school sports co-ordinator Chris Davitt, said the classes have sparked much excitement among the children.

"There's been a huge amount of interest for the after-school boxing classes, which are all about having fun, learning new skills and improving fitness." said Chris, who belives the sessions will also improve discipline among children as well as their attendance.

"Our experience shows that children who take part in physical activity in school have a higher record of attendance than those that don't."

Chris has worked with local ABA coach, Phill Prout, who runs as amateur boxing club in the area, to introduce classes. Escape Fitness is lending its support by providing equipment including boxing gloves, skipping ropes and free-standing punch bags.

Peterborough's school sports co-ordinators will follow the success of the scheme with a view to rolling it out to the city's 13 secondary schools in the future.

Get your guard up…. School children get an inspirational introduction to the skills involved in boxing.