'There is so much more to the sport': Scottish boxing champ hails new pilot scheme
Bobby Morrell, aka The Tartan Spartan, has highlighted the importance of the eight-week boxing pilot organised by children's charity Action for Children in collaboration with WDP Boxing Gym.
The scheme, which focused on fitness and basic boxing techniques, was supported by several experienced boxing professionals.
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It was designed to provide Glasgow's young people with a safe space and a chance to hear from positive community role models.
Young people, boxing coaches and Amanda Reily (bottom centre left) celebrating ending a successful pilot (Image: Supplied) Bobby was among the guests who shared their experiences with the young participants.
He had a particular connection to the group, as before becoming a professional athlete, he was supported by Action for Children's employability service.
Bobby said: "By sharing my story and the path which boxing has offered me, if I'm able to offer even one young person the inspiration of the power of sport to get involved, then it will be worth it.
"There is so much more to the sport than what people see in the ring; the resilience, dedication to training, and hard barriers which you need to overcome.
"It's those skills which make it such a positive influence on growing up and that's exactly what more young people need."
Other guests included Police Scotland officers, broadcaster Sean McDonald, WDP Boxing Gym owner Harry Khan, and coach Mark Laurie.
They discussed topics such as addiction, online safety, the positive role of sport, and alternative coping strategies.
Professional fighters from WDP Boxing Gym also joined a session to work one-on-one with the young people.
The success of the pilot has sparked interest from several other children's charities and local community organisations about the potential for further cycles of the programme.
The charity is now exploring funding options to continue the project beyond the pilot stage, which can be supported here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfkx4u6.
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Amanda Reily, organiser of the pilot programme and family support practitioner at Action for Children, said: 'I'm a huge fan of boxing and have trained in the sport for years so I know the real physical and mental benefits it can offer people which lead me to start this pilot.
"It's been great getting to watch the young people take part and safely enjoy trying a new sport.
"Because it's physical and stimulates their mind they're able to get really involved in the sessions, which is great when some of the young people might not engage with other local support or activities.
"It's that engagement which makes the positive influences from speakers sharing our lived experience much more impactful."
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