Boxing for Better - Higher Folds Community Boxing

Hey, I'm Dave and I'm  the person behind the project Boxing for Better. As a senior ABA coach and former amateur boxer I know the transformative powers boxing can have on young people and communities.

During lock down youth sport has been ground to a halt and many children have lost their sports clubs, gyms, leisure activities and hobbies. I've noticed first hand the impact this has had on young people and their communities. Whilst we've seen some amazing community spirit we've also watched a lost generation miss out on key activities and we all can clearly see the negative impact it is having.

It is my aim to use boxing to help re-engage these young people in sport and positive activity. 

The first step is to run a pilot programme in the Higher Folds area of Leigh, Greater Manchester. We will aim to work with every young person that shows an interest between the ages of 11 and 16 completely free of charge. We will be running at least 6 sessions over summer where young people can learn how to box from qualified amateur boxing coaches.

Our long term goal is to create a programme where local residents can access boxing coaching at a heavily subsidised price, we will aim to improve fitness, health, well being and also develop skills for young people by delivering the boxing awards scheme. If the programme proves to be a success we would look to use boxing as a method to address a range of issues in the community working with targeted groups to reduce anti social behaviour, knife crime, educate people about the dangers of drugs and help children and young people gain skills and qualifications.

If this programme goes as well as we hope it will in the Higher Folds area there is no reason why it cannot be replicated in other areas where young people are at risk of not fully realising their potential.

The £6000 we are asking for will help us put the programme in place and provide, equipment, staffing and venue hire for this project for a full 12 months.

Anything you can do to help would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you.