Published: Saturday, 27th June, 2009 10:08am

New activity for kids pulls no punches

by Emma Harrison

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YOUNGSTERS are being given a fighting chance to take up a fun sport thanks to a new boxing club.

The club, which meets every Tuesday evening at Owlsmoor Community Centre in Sandhurst, was started last month by boxing coach Pat Hughes and PC Alex Hillan.

It has already caught the imagination of both children and adults, with around 20 juniors aged between seven and 14 and 30 adults attending the sessions.

Mr Hughes, a certified Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) coach, said: 'Alex and I have really built the club up. Only four people turned up the first night but it has grown quickly since then.'

The club combines exercises such as sit-ups and press-ups with shadow boxing and technical coaching - all sessions are currently non-contact.

In addition, PC Hillan has applied to Bracknell Forest Council"s Youth Opportunity Fund for a grant, which will allow the club to purchase a temporary ring along with sparring gloves and abdominal guards.

'We"ve been in touch with the ABA about affiliating us, which will enable us to do some real sparring and boxing.' he said.

He paid tribute to Sandhurst Residents Association for donating gloves and to the community centre for its support.

Michelle Laxton"s 11-year-old son Kieran attends training sessions at the club.

She said: 'He doesn"t like football and this is the first thing he has ever stuck with. The exercise is absolutely out of this world.'

Surrey Police has also given its backing. Detective Sergeant Mark Brindley said: 'Most of the public are scared of kids hanging around the streets in groups and we are taking them off the streets and giving them some self-discipline and focus.'

Another supporter of the club is Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay. He said: 'They work closely with the police in running this club for young people and it is obviously in everyone"s interests for it to continue.

'It is directing youngsters into a positive, sporting way of life which we would all like to encourage.'

l For more information contact PC Hillan on 08458 505 505.