Boxing clever
Coach Mark Field explains how boxing helps kids cope with a range of conditions and issues, be it ADHD, autism or learning difficulties. He suffers bipolar disorder and says the sport allows youngsters to channel their energy and improve their life, parti
Mark Field was on the brink of a bout with up-and-coming Joe Calzaghe when a cyst on his brain signalled the end of his boxing career.
He was 27 and that was just the beginning of his problems as spiralling depression led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
It was through his own battles that Mark, 54, decided he wanted to help a growing number of children facing a variety of issues.
He retrained as a mental health nurse and was buoyed by studies showing a clear link between exercise and improved mental health in children.
Increased levels of concentration for youngsters with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are also reported.
While Calzaghe, 46, would become a world champ, Mark found huge satisfaction too by setting up the Buckley Boxing Club. It is one of many groups which steps in to supplement tireless work done by schools for children with special needs.
FOCUS
The club is in Flintshire, north east Wales, and Mark has helped give thousands of children a sense of discipline, self-confidence and self-esteem.
Dad-of-four Mark said: “Doctors discovered the cyst on my brain the week I was supposed to fight Joe Calzaghe. It meant I could become brain damaged from just one punch.
“Hearing I could never box again brought my whole world crashing down – I was utterly devastated.
“I spiralled into depression and was diagnosed with bipolar, which I still battle with. Having been through depression myself, I wanted to help others, so I set up the gym.”
Alongside his work as a nurse, Mark trains and mentors up to 200 kids at a time. Many are referred by social services or schools and have behavioural issues, autism, mental health disorders or learning difficulties.
Mark added: “Boxing teaches them discipline and gives a focus, but coming here also means they’re a part of something. They have a sense of community and belonging. It’s great for their self-esteem.
“I’ve seen children develop into confident young people, able to take that back into the classroom.”
Mark’s work echoes the efforts of ex-heavyweight world champ Frank Bruno, 57. He, too, is bipolar and The Frank Bruno Foundation aims to launch a centre that will provide noncontact boxing and wellbeing programmes for anyone aged over 10 experiencing similar health issues. Frank said: “Staying fit and healthy and having the chance to be active is vital for good mental health as well.” Here we meet three of Mark’s protégés – and discover how boxing has helped them.
LOUIE WALKER, 8
Louie was bullied at school before joining Mark’s gym. His dad, Carl Gregory, 33, said: “Louie was always quite low in confidence. We brought him here and he never looked back.
“He has more confidence within himself and stresses his opinions a lot better. He used to get quite frustrated, but now he can channel his energies in a better way – he’s more controlled.
“He’s learned a lot here. I think doing something like this can help prevent a mental health condition.
“Low confidence and self-esteem can develop into depression. We’ve
noticed such a huge difference in Louie since he began training here.
“Now he can identify bullying and call it out. He’s not aggressive but he gets respect. Mark’s brilliant, everyone loves him. This is character building for all the kids. He makes everyone feel better within themselves'
Louie said: “I love coming to the gym. Mark helps me feel much more confident. I really enjoy the boxing. It's made a big difference to me.”
SHAY TAYLOR, 8
Shay has ADHD and had behavioural issues at school before joining the club three years ago. His mum.
Charlie Taylor, 37, said: “Shay trains three or four times a week. Mark is fantastic – the club changed Shay’s life. He feels at home, is comfortable here and has got friends of all ages.
“Mark has put a lot in with Shay, he’s done a school assembly, boosting Shay’s confidence and self-esteem.
“He gets frustrated and can get quite angry. Now he can come here, punch the bag and get his anger out. Because it’s so structured, he takes that discipline away with him – it really helps with his concentration.
“We would be lost without Mark and the club. It’s changed our lives. It’s been amazing. Some people aren’t accepting of ADHD but here, Shay is just Shay – he doesn’t have a label.”
Shay said: “The coaches are brilliant and I feel really comfortable here.
“It’s made me more confident and more calm.
“Here I get told to punch the bags, and at school they tell me to do work.
“Now I know that when they tell me something, I should do it.
“Mark is amazing, so nice and fun. I talk to him about everything.”
LOUIS MAJOR,15
Louis has social difficulties and admits he was picked on at school before joining Mark’s gym a year ago. His mum Karen, 48, said: “It helps his confidence. He’s never been good in a big crowd, he’s happy in his own environment. He was born prematurely, he was 1lb 6oz, so it takes him longer to get there at school. He has extra support at school with learning.
“He enjoys everything a lot more now, he’s made a lot more friends at school. He used to be a bit timid.”
And dad Stuart, 53, added: “Louis was never into sport. Now he loves to put the gloves on, get in the garage and box with me. It’s brought on his confidence in leaps and bounds.”
Louis said: “Training has really helped encourage me to do more things. It’s made me conquer my fears and realise I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. Mark helps me by teaching me new things – he’s encouraged me to be who I want to be.
“I used to be that one kid in school who everyone picked on. I used to sit in the corner. Now, through doing this, I’m much more confident and have a lot of friends.
“Mark is the best trainer, he teaches us life lessons as well as boxing – and he’s a great friend.”
To learn more about community youth projects, go to ukyouth.org and youthsporttrust.org
Find out about Bruno’s charity at thefrankbrunofoundation.co.uk