Boxfit is supervised exercise for children using non-contact boxing techniques. It brings together 30 male and female children from different backgrounds, different age groups and different cultures. The children come from primary and secondary schools based in the Wembrook ward.

The club is designed to promote healthy lifestyles, fitness and helps contribute to higher self-esteem and self-confidence. It also teaches discipline, respect for others, the importance of rules and self control. The club also allows students to follow a hobby that is safe, legal and healthy, whilst meeting four of the five elements of Every Child Matters i.e. Stay safe, Be Healthy, Enjoy & Achieve and Make a Positive Contribution.

The project will allow each child to complete three awards - Preliminary, Standard and Bronze, each of which run for ten weeks and total an overall project length of 30 weeks.

The scheme is designed to encourage young people in recreational sport and activities that are based on the sport of amateur boxing and are open to young people from as young as 5 years up to school leavers.

Boxfit is completely non-contact and fully supervised by coaches who are all CRB checked, insured and are ABA Boxing Tutors. The scheme covers the following:

The Preliminary Award - Teaches the basics of amateur boxing and is designed as an introduction. It covers aspects such as footwork, torso movement and bag/pad work.
The Standard Award - Designed for young people who have completed the preliminary award, introducing young people to physical training. It covers warm up, skipping, jab, combinations etc.
The Bronze Award - Includes shadow boxing, and plenty of fitness. It also includes non-contact sparring.

The scheme provides young people with the first three of the Amateur Boxing Associations programme of awards. The final two awards (Silver and Gold) are not included in this bid as they include condition sparring but they can be completed with Nuneaton Club 4 Young People.

When completing this scheme, the young people will also gain a range of awards and qualifications including:

5-7 year olds. After completing six hours, each student will receive a medal and a certificate endorsed by Sport England and the Amateur Boxing Association. They also receive an award and certificate from Warwickshire County Council's Kid's College.
8-12 year olds. After completing six hours, each student will receive a medal and certificate endorsed by Sport England and the Amateur Boxing Association. They also receive an award from Warwickshire County Council's Children's University.

Recruitment of the students will be undertaken through the Extended Schools Cluster which includes All Saints First School, Middlemarch Middle School, Wembook School, Chetwynd Junior School, Whitestone Infant School and George Elliot Community School. Each school will nominate 6 young people to join the scheme.

The scheme will operate after school on a Wednesday between 4.00pm and 5.00pm and provide a valuable outlet for energy and promote fellowship amongst young people. The project will take place at George Elliot Community Centre in Raveloe Drive, Nuneaton.

The Boxfit Project received £3,000 from the Community Plan Fund 2008.

If you would like further information about the project please contact:

Patrick Cross
(024) 7674 4000
patrick.cross@george-eliot.org.uk