Boxing Club helps keep young people on the straight and narrow

Published: 2 March 2022

Boxing may not seem the go to activity to keep children off the streets and out of trouble, but the combination of routine, discipline and an avenue for them to pour their energy into can help to keep many young people on the straight and narrow. 

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer visited the South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club in Crewe to find out how they’ve been engaging with young people in the local area.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said:

“There has been a long running relationship between Cheshire Constabulary and the South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club which has helped to tackle some of the issues the local area has seen.

“The common perception is that to tackle anti-social behaviour you need to have more activities for young people to get involved in. These activities need to cater to their needs and entice them in, deterring them from mischief and potentially criminal behaviour.”

Nathan Clark, Personal Safety Trainer with Cheshire Police and head coach at South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club said:

“We are averaging over 125 juniors through the doors a week at the moment aged between 5-16 years. They come from a number of different backgrounds and all train together. The team at South Cheshire put numerous volunteer hours in and seeing the juniors flourish is massively rewarding. We want to put on record our thanks to Mr Dwyer, Mark Watson from Crimebeat and Mr Holroyd from the Holroyd Foundation for their continued support.”

In his previous term as Commissioner, John Dwyer funded boxing activities, and saw first-hand the positive effect the discipline, training and routine had on young people. Some of whom went on to take part in amateur boxing bouts.

John Dwyer added:

“In my Police and Crime Plan, I talk about the importance of tackling anti-social behaviour and the negative impact it has on our communities.

“The efforts of organisations like South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club should be commended as they help to provide activities that young people want to get involved in, changing their outlook on life.”