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A boxing project supported by the Housing Executive is giving young people in Kilkeel, Annalong and Newcastle opportunities to improve their fitness while reducing anti-social behaviour. Over 200 children and young people have taken part in The Schomberg Society’s Beyond the Ropes project in Housing Executive estates and community spaces. The Housing Executive supported the project with a £3,600 community involvement grant, which allowed the society to buy a mobile boxing ring and outreach equipment.
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The Schomberg Society’s Development Officer, Roberta Heaney, said: “We’re currently running four boxing sessions per week, at our own venue and in schools, community centres and youth centres throughout the Mournes and South Down area.
“With our portable boxing ring funded by the Housing Executive, we’re able to go directly into communities where young people experience poverty, isolation and disengagement.”
Over 30 sessions have been delivered to date for children and young people aged 5 to 30, and the equipment has been used at outreach sessions throughout South Down.
Speaking about the benefits of the project, Ms Heaney said: “It’s been really successful.
“Our weekly boxing and fitness workshops are bringing young people together from different backgrounds to build fitness and mutual understanding.
“It’s encouraging them to develop healthy lifestyles, and boosting self-esteem and confidence.”
Manager at the Housing Executive (left); Ethan, one of the senior members (right)
and Roberta Heaney, Development Officer at The Schomberg Society (second right).
Claire Crainey, Area Manager at the Housing Executive, said: “It’s brilliant to see young people from across the area engaging with the boxing and fitness workshops through the outreach sessions.
“Young people are building relationships through shared activities, and anti-sectarian workshops are encouraging stronger community cohesion.”
Ethan, aged 16, has been taking part in the project. He said: “All the activities we do are really fun. In the workshops we take part in fitness drills, games, strength training and self-defence.
“My favourite part is probably the sparring. I’ve left school now and it’s a great way to stay in touch with my friends during the week. We’ve done activities with other clubs too, it’s brought everyone closer together.”
