Councillors have said they are delighted to visit a new children’s and young people’s boxing project at Armley Leisure Centre.
The boxing classes are led by local boxer Josh Wisher who runs the Ministry of Boxing Gym, are held each Thursday at Armley Leisure Centre between 3.45pm and 4.45pm.
The sessions are open to eight to 16 year olds, either by dropping in or booked in advance at the leisure centre. They are free to attend with light refreshments provided.
They began following conversations between the Active Leeds Team, and other local partners from Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police which identified a need to tackle anti-social behaviour locally. Officers have worked to build trust within the local community, identify the type of activities which young people are interested in and how they can provide support.
The suggestion of boxing sessions was identified, and the Active Leeds team who had connections with boxers Josh Warrington and Josh Wisher, opened up a conversation with the Ministry of Boxing.
The boxing sessions have been well received with between 10 to 15 young people attending each one.
Councillor Andy Parnham, (Labour, Armley) said: “It’s fantastic that the young people have worked with Active Leeds, the police, Safer Neighbourhoods ASB team, Community Locality Officers and the Positive Futures team to find a positive solution.
“My ward colleagues, Cllr Smart, Cllr McKenna and I would like to thank Josh and Phil Wisher from the Ministry of Boxing for providing these excellent boxing sessions that are having such a brilliant impact locally. As a boxer who takes the time to get involved in his community, Josh is a fantastic role model for young people.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Executive Member for adult social care, oublic health and active lifestyles, said: “It was great to visit the boxing sessions, and see what we can do on a local level, to tackle anti-social behaviour in a proactive way.
“I’m really proud of the Team Leeds approach that has been taken, with significant health and wellbeing benefits for those involved.”
- The ladies’ one-hour session at The Ministry of Boxing, in Moorfield Road, is free of charge 11am on Saturday, 6 January. The session offers boxing training for fitness.
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