Excluded Boys Box Their Way Out of Trouble

A former boxer has launched a project to help boys excluded from school to punch their way out of trouble.

Dave "Boy" Green, from Chatteris, put the Fens on the boxing world map as he won two European titles in the 1970s.

The "Fen Tiger" sparred with teenagers at the East Cambridgeshire District Council-run project which was launched at the Littleport Leisure Centre.

The GOBB project (Groups of Boys Boxing) aims to give the boys a sense of pride, a council spokesman said.

Mr Green told BBC News: "These boys have got a lot of energy but if they go to the gymnasium and skip for five or six minutes and punch a bag for 10 minutes and do a bit of sparring, they won't want to do anything else outside of boxing.

"That's why most boxers keep it in the ring."

As part of the project, each student will undertake leadership accreditation schemes in sports coaching and arts development to enhance their curricular achievements.

Ben Hughes, a student and amateur boxer, said: "It's a good way to get fit and get your temper out and it's a great opportunity to make yourself be somebody."

Tom Hickson, sports development officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "Boxing may be seen as a brutal and harsh sport but for the young people who have been referred to us, it is well known that disciplined sporting activity can help bring some order back to their lives.

"Sport gives people pride, a sense of achievement and an aim in life. The project will get children off the streets and give them a focus.

"Young people excluded from school are getting the chance to get back on the educational ladder by following in the footsteps of Rocky Balboa."

The council aims to create a full-time boxing club for all young people at the end of the project.

With thanks to BBC News bbc.co.uk/news for this news item.