Concerns over anti-social behaviour and crime among young people, which local youth groups argue are linked, remain high in communities across the region.
But while some may fear boxing could encourage street violence, professional coach argues the opposite. The gym environment promotes positive mental and physical health with fellow boxers giving young people an even stronger camaraderie than they get from a gang. Iain Mahood, a coach who has seen it all in the sport and founder of the Evolution Boxing Club, said: “Some of the kids we work with have been involved in anti-social behaviour and were going down the wrong path. “We work with local youth groups and also the police and each approach us asking if we will accommodate kids they are really struggling with.
They come in and we give them a bit of responsibility through different tasks and also set them about training. Once they settle you can see they really get into it and for me I feel that's because deep down they want to be part of something. “They come in on an evening and that can be six nights a week they are off the streets so it can reduce any chance of them getting involved in anything untoward.”
Young boxers can get the opportunity to travel the country and further with the club to take part in contests and, as Iain says, it ‘keeps them that busy and stops them getting in with the wrong crowd.’.
Iain also states that " Boxing teaches them discipline that they need in their lives and this is what we touch on in our schools programme.
“They have got nothing to prove because they are getting in that ring and boxing in safe conditions. By doing this they are already proving what they are made of.
When individuals get that they realise they do not need to go out and start trouble or street fights. They have gained the respect of other boxers in the gym and it changes their mindset completely.”
Boxing is a really good avenue to get people away from anti-social behaviour and crime. They learn discipline and how to be friends with people and not be enemies. It is about belonging and there is a family of friends there so it is like being part of a brotherhood rather than a criminal gang. They all look after each other and encourage each other.”
Boxing is a shining example of the benefits for young people of getting involved in sport. Not only does it focus their energies on a positive activity but being part of a club helps to develop a sense of purpose and community. “If you feel part of something, you are far less likely to want to destroy it or ruin your own chances of taking part by getting involved in antisocial behaviour and crime.” Sessions at the Evolution Boxing gym in the West street in Carrickfergus are held Monday to Saturday. Children from the age of seven can join and Iain said the club’s caring ethos means everyone is made to feel welcome and looked after. He said: “Some of the kids who come in are not from the best backgrounds and as coaches we are also like councillors and social workers rolled into one. We are lucky to have our mentor programmes with Carrick Connect running alongside the boxing.
“We become part of their extended family and it never leaves you so even when they are no longer training they still come in and we look out for them. It is about more than just the boxing and it always will be.”