A NEW boxing programme aimed at young people is set to be launched in the Bromsgrove area in September.
JQ Boxing Bromsgrove – a non-contact boxing scheme – will allow young people aged 11 to 16 to pick up and hone boxing techniques, whilst providing a safe community environment for youngsters in the local community.
Mick Maguire, head coach of the Jewellery Quarter Boxing Club, is behind the concept, and admits that the success at the Birmingham-based club gave him the green light to pursue launching a venture in Bromsgrove.
“We have been running a very successful competitive boxing club in Birmingham City Centre for several years now and have enjoyed tremendous success, having gained many regional and national Champions across the age groups,” he said.
“Although we are obviously very proud of our achievements, we are also very keen to build our presence in community work, and our city centre location means that there are very few young people living within travelling distance to take advantage of the programmes we wish to offer.”
Amongst the names to have benefitted from Maguire’s work is Delicious Orie, a recent British Championship winner who is now involved with the Team GB boxing team, identified as a name on the Podium Potential squad who could represent Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Maguire says that Bromsgrove struck him as an area that could benefit from such a community programme due to the rising crime levels, and has already secured National Lottery funding of £10,000 towards setting up the project.
“The current club in Birmingham is staffed on a voluntary basis, and the Bromsgrove programme will be delivered by the same staff,” he added.
“Boxing is proven to inspire young people from historically hard to reach groups and we believe that this programme will lead to huge benefits in terms of impact on the health and well-being of those attending.
“The sessions are open to all young people from the age group mentioned, we are very experienced in ensuring that everyone is valued and made to feel part of the group.”
Sessions are set to get underway in September at Amphlett Hall in Bromsgrove town centre, and will take place every Thursday evening.
To book a place or to find out more information, contact Mick on [email protected], or call 07741149813.
