Cheshire students benefit from boxing-centred intervention programme

Students from Rudheath Senior Academy, Weaverham High School and the County High School Leftwich in Cheshire who successfully completed a boxing-led intervention initiative run by Queensberry AP have celebrated with a graduation event.

Parents and school staff were invited along to mark the achievements of those who have graduated from the 12 Rounds Programme – and take part in a practical boxing workshop led by the students.

The current programme was supported by funding from the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane as part of his Safer Communities strategy.

Queensberry AP use boxing as a vehicle to teach things like respect, discipline and resilience, with the aim of improving engagement at school and preventing exclusion.

Students work with our coaches on learning boxing basics including footwork and punching combinations.

Co-founder of Queensberry AP, and England Boxing Coach Paul Cooper, said: “The funding from Mr Keane enabled us to offer this 12 rounds free of charge to our partner schools and we can’t thank him enough for giving this group of young people an opportunity to take part in something which will have a long lasting impact.

“The students have made excellent progress both in terms of their own boxing and also their ability to coach each other. They all arrived with no boxing experience and have completed the programme as confident boxers.

“This has improved their self-esteem and provided an outlet for some of the anger they experience. Boxing has again been key in this and has supported the social and emotional work we also deliver.”

The 12 Rounds Programme sees serving offenders from HMP Thorn Cross supporting with the delivery of the workshops.

It offers employment opportunities to support with their rehabilitation and resettlement through training and linking with their local clubs to secure volunteer placements.

One current volunteer is heading to Liverpool’s Rotunda ABC in the coming weeks to support with their inclusive hub.

Co-developer of the programme, Nic Martin, said: “The impact that our colleagues from the prison have is a powerful one.

“Not only do we see the young people develop, but we also see the volunteers reflecting on their own past experiences and learning to move forwards with their lives.”

For further information on 12 Rounds, please email info@queensberryap.com