Boxing club offers young people 'focus and safety'

The founder of a boxing club offering young people structure, discipline and somewhere to belong says it "keeps them safe and gives them focus".

Bristol Ringside, set up just 10 months ago, now runs several classes a week for children and teenagers aged six to 19. The charity says it was created to fill a gap left by the decline in youth clubs across the Chew Valley and south Bristol.

Founder Jordan Doherty said: "God knows what some of them would be doing without this."

Sam, who is 16-years-old, said: "To be honest, without boxing I'd probably be on the streets like all my mates, just getting up to no good."

For some of the teenagers who train there, it has become a lifeline.

As well as learning boxing skills, members complete circuit training and fitness sessions focused on discipline and routine.

George, 13, joined the club last year. He has Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), which affects movement and coordination.

His coaches say boxing has helped him improve his balance and control, helping him throw straighter punches – and George says it has changed his behaviour too.

"I've learned discipline," he said.

"My behaviour in school has got a lot better – things like rudeness. I'm actually listening to people now. You listen here, and then you take that back into school."

Bristol Ringside is based at Winford Cattle Market and already has more than 60 members, with space to take on more.

Doherty gives his time for free, alongside other volunteers. Local businesses help fund equipment and travel to competitions.

He said the club offers more than sport.

"For us seeing them progress makes it all worthwhile, it's worth everything."

For younger members, the club has also become a place to build friendships.

Jake, 10, met his best friend Tommy, 11, through boxing. Although they go to the same school, they had never spoken before joining the club.

Jake said he is pleased he has learnt practical self-defence skills from boxing.

He now cannot imagine life without the club.

"I'd just be bored out of me mind," he added.

As well as improvements in discipline, respect, and self-esteem, the club is also getting results in the boxing ring.

Archie, who has just turned 13, started boxing at Bristol Ringside nine months ago.

He has already won three titles, including National Schoolboy Champion for his age group.

Archie said he managed to stay focused during the final: "Adrenaline was just going right through me, nerves picking up, but I just stuck to my boxing, didn't get scrappy, throwing different combos, moving off, listening to coaches, and that paid off.

"I was just flying, couldn't stop. Magnificent really," he added.

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