Bringing skill to schools

AMIR KHAN with youngsters at Hopwood Hall.

ROCHDALE and Oldham are at the forefront of a new initiative to bring boxing into secondary schools.

The Schools Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) and Hopwood Hall College are joining forces to promote ‘Skills Boxing’, which concentrates on technique and self control rather than the combative nature of the sport.

SABA and Hopwood Hall are organising two-day coaching courses for teachers, who will then go back to their schools to pass on the knowledge to their pupils.

It is hoped competitions will eventually spring up between schools.

Jimmy Barker, sports tutor and boxing academy manager at Hopwood Hall, said: “We want youngsters to learn and enjoy boxing by educating them in the skills they require.

“People naturally see the sport as being aggressive, but this scheme is not about that.

“Cuba first introduced ‘Skills Boxing’ many years ago and their record at producing world-class talent speaks for itself.

“The ultimate aim is for some of the children to join amateur clubs if they so wish, and if they can learn the skills first, it will stand them in good stead when they go full-contact.”

‘Skills Boxing’ does not require a ring, only pads and gloves which can be obtained through SABA.

Hopwood Hall is in the process of contacting schools in the area, and Barker is confident of a positive response.

The sport is working hard to lift its profile and attract the next generation of world champions.

From next year, the practical assessment in GCSE PE will include boxing as an option.

A number of SABA training camps have been held at Hopwood, and some of these have been supported by Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton.

For more details on ‘Skills Boxing’ course, contact Jimmy Barker at Hopwood Hall College on (0161) 643 7560.