Lochaber boxing club recognises youth commitment with new awards
Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club has announced the first recipients of a new award to recognise commitment and ability amongst young people attending regular training sessions.
The junior section for ages nine to 16 currently hosts up to 30 young people in each session, from beginners to more experienced, under the direction of usually two to three fully qualified coaches, building fitness and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Many of the youngsters come along purely for this and are encouraged by meeting new people of their own age from across Lochaber while learning how to exercise safely in ways suitable for their build and age.
Punchbags
The club, with help from Liberty, recently installed two new extra-long punchbags, making it easier for those of a smaller stature to reach areas away from the bottom, which can sometimes become firmer due to gravity. Those who really want to fully participate in the sport and are judged ready by the coaches can move on to ‘learning the ropes’ in the ring, sparring first of all on training pads with the coaches, before taking part in carefully monitored sparring with others in the class.
Trophies went to: Toby Jackson, Most Improved Youth Boy; Tamzin MacKenzie, Most Improved Youth Girl; Sam MacMillan,
Hardest Trainer and most appearances at gym sessions; Marcus McAlpine and Aiden Love, best middle youth group age competing against other youths.
Training
Youth training sessions are held between 5.30pm and 6.45pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. For more information go to the Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club Facebook page.