A Cardenden boxing club has opened its doors to children caught up in street violence, using the sport to teach lessons about discipline and respect.
Coaches at Bowhill Boxing and Fitness Club decided to offer support to local young people in response to anti-social behaviour fuelled by social media.
Coach Craig Abbot said: “I don’t think it’s any different from when we were young, but violence is promoted more because of the internet.
“People who don’t even know each other can contact and arrange to fight, trying to outdo each other on the internet.
“When the numbers weren’t brilliant, but there were plenty of kids hanging around the streets, coach Thomas Wilson was like ‘let’s get them in for free.’
“We could afford to do it because we’re a non-profit organisation and our adult classes were paying our rent, and we were aware that some of them couldn’t afford to come and pay five nights a week.
“If they come in and think they’re a big man in the street, they quickly realise that’s not the case, and that the quietest person ever could be the best fighter.”
Mr Abbot outlined some of the positive lessons that children gain through boxing.
He said: “We get kids coming from different areas, and we can see them bonding, hanging about together wearing our club hoodies. It’s about becoming part of a team, even though it’s an individual sport.
“Social workers and teachers have seen lessons and said ‘they pay a lot more attention to you than they do anywhere else in their life.’
“We’re trying to teach them a bit of respect as they’re part of the club so if they are out misbehaving it reflects on us.
“We explain the hazards of fighting too, the fact that you can get hurt or hurt someone. We’re not teaching them to fight on the street, it’s about discipline and progressing to the next level.”
Some at the club have progressed so far that they’re almost out of next levels.
Teenage star Niamh Mitchell is a shining example. Bullied as a younger child, she rose through the ranks to become Scottish and European champion aged just 16.
You can find out how to get involved on club's Facebook page.
Mr Abbot said: “Thomas and Jimmy took her in at the boxing and she ended up becoming the European champion.
“Some of the kids that are timid and shy when they first come turn out to be really good.”
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