Young men's chance to box clever

Date published: 08/02/2010

Free boxing sessions have been launched to give young men in Bury a chance to keep healthy and on the right path.

The weekly sessions will run at Bury FC Social Club and be led by qualified coaches from Radcliffe Amateur Boxing Club.

And the club has already got the backing of Bury’s latest boxing superstar Scott Quigg – the super-bantamweight, unbeaten in 16 fights, came to the official launch along with Gareth Williams, chief executive of Hatton Promotion.

The new boxing club is a joint project between Bury FC Community Trust and Bury Council’s sports development team.

The sessions take place every Wednesday at Bury FC Social Club, from 7pm to 8.30pm, and are aimed at young men aged 16 and over.

Councillor Beverly Sullivan, executive member for health and well-being, said: “I am so proud to be part of an opportunity like this. This can help reach out to young men, some of whom may face many barriers in life or fall into anti-social behaviour or drug and alcohol problems.

“The sessions are free, so young men can feel part of a club even when faced with financial difficulties. This club will be key in helping them pursue an activity they love.”

Also at the launch were a number of organisations including Early Break, Youth Service, Connexions and the police.

Andrea Pilling, Health Kick co-ordinator with Bury’s sports development team, said: “It’s a fantastic way increase physical activity opportunities for young men in the borough, in particular Bury East, and to establish links into NHS Bury Services including the Health Trainer Service, Stop Smoking and YPAS.

“We would like to establish Radcliffe Boxing Club as a pro-active club who want to reach out to young people in the community and provide an exit route for any talented athletes.”