YOUNGSTERS in Richmondshire have been ‘boxing clever’ thanks to a new club created with district council funds.

Aimed at young people, the club provides diversionary activities to help them learn new skills, gain confidence and extend the positive experiences into their communities and school life.

Each young person attends Boxing Clever twice a week for four weeks – based at Catterick Boxing Club at Colburn Leisure centre in Catterick Garrison. The young people work with a range of services including North Yorkshire Youth.

They receive boxing training and fitness training giving them basic knowledge of sports discipline and the hard work needed to achieve fitness levels. It also includes specific sessions covering issues such as mental health, life skills and anger management.

Run by a former member of an army boxing team and leisure centre fitness instructors, the club received £800 from each of the council’s Area Partnerships covering the Garrison, Central and North Richmondshire.

Council leader, Councillor Angie Dale, said: “The project is already making a huge difference to those taking part and it is hoped that more funding can be raised from other sources to continue this great work.”

The District Council’s five Area Partnerships each have £10,000 to award to local projects. Grants of up to £1000 have so far gone to parish councils, community and sports groups for everything from large equipment purchases to smaller community noticeboards. Last year £84,668 was given to 55 local schemes. The five partnerships cover Upper Dales, Central (including Richmond), Lower Wensleydale, Garrison and North Richmondshire.

To find out more about the funding stream check out richmondshire.gov.uk/area-partnerships.