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02/04/2007

Great news for boxing in schools

SHEFFIELD

An update from Sheffield boxing development officer Paul Porter:

Sport England has agreed to finance an amateur boxing pilot of their "Step Into Sport" programme, in Sheffield. Step Into Sport is part of the Government's PE, School Sport and Club Links (PESSCL) strategy. It focuses on young people aged 14-19 years and aims to encourage them to undertake an involvement in sports leadership and volunteering that will continue into later life. This pilot will follow the five step plan outlined below:

Step 1) Young people engage in a programme of sport education at school.

Step 2) Young people move on to undertake a nationally recognized Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership - accredited.

Step 3) Young people gain practical experience in volunteering through planning and running a sporting event.

Step 4) Young people undertake community sports leadership training and sport specific leadership training - accredited.

Step 5) Young people participate in a programme of mentored volunteering in their local community. 

Amateur boxing will be joining athletics, football, cricket, rugby league, rugby union, tennis and many other sports already operating Step Into Sport programmes. Details to follow.

MANCHESTER

Manchester development officer Kevin Williams reports on developments in his local schools:

Burnage High School is only the second school in England since the 1950s to have a full size competition ring on its premises. Refurbishment work is now complete within the gym and it boasts 9 new bags and 5 speed balls, all within a freshly painted gym. The school has 1000 pupils and has been affiliated to the East Lancs Division as an amateur boxing club. I am also the Vice Chairman of Burnage Amateur Boxing Club. 

Between 20 and 30 teachers from this school will be attending the Boxing Tutor Course. The school will then be used as a hub for local primary schools to participate in boxing sessions. 
I have already brought St Cuthbert's Primary School into Burnage High School and ran a five week programme of non-contact boxing which was well received and a huge success. 

During the two week Easter break I am running daily taster sessions at Cedar Mount High School in Gorton for 8 to 16 year olds. After Easter I will be delivering a five week programme of non-contact boxing in 12 primary schools throughout Manchester, and I will be rolling this programme out and will have delivered to 90 primary schools in Manchester by April 08.

You can read more about Kevin and Old Trafford ABC in our clubs section here