As we enter week 8 of the Amateur Boxing Academy program, Amateur Boxing Scotland is extremely pleased to report that circa 250 young people per week are participating in the Academy program throughout Scotland.
With the initial assessments in week 10 fast approaching, each of the 11 clubs involved at this stage have been working extremely hard with their youngsters developing their individual skills.
Starting with stance, guard and footwork in week 1, the Cashback coaches have been introducing a new skill to their youngsters week by week ensuring a natural progression through the art of amateur boxing.
The program itself is run over 2 developmental phases. Currently in phase 1, starting back in January a total of 9 sessions will be delivered over 9 weeks, with the assessments coming up in week 10. The Academy then takes a well-earned break over the Easter holiday, starting again mid-April with Phase 2. Another 9 sessions will then be delivered over 9 weeks, with the youngsters now receiving more advanced skills to take them to the final assessment in week 10.
However the Academy does not stop there – the youngsters who have completed the program can continue attending the free sessions to improve their skill base, or indeed can help out the Cashback coaches as ‘helpers’ assisting in the next generation attending the Academy.
What is also great news for Amateur Boxing in Scotland is that already some of the youngsters attending are expressing a keen interest in becoming a registered boxer on completion of the program – therefore resulting in clubs welcoming new boxers who already have a sound knowledge of the sport. This can only mean a promising future for participation in Scotland!
Also important to note is the fact that the doors are always open to youngsters joining at any stage of the program – whether in week 2 or week 8 newcomers will always be welcomed and will be put through the assessments at the appropriate time.
A big thank-you must go to the clubs and coaches who have embraced the Academy and have made the program a success so far!
Northern District – Aberdeen ABC, Byron ABC, Lochaber Phoenix ABC, Nether Lochaber ABC and Peterhead ABC.
Eastern District – Holyrood ABC, Meadowbank ABC and Zetland ABC.
Western District – Argo ABC, Duries ABC and Greenock ABC.
Also I would personally like to thank all the coaches involved as there is no doubt that the Cashback Academy will help grow our sport for the future, by increasing participation and promotion!
At present an additional 10 clubs look set to become involved in the Academy starting from mid-April; other clubs interested please contact myself on 07974 302782 to find out more.
Craig McEvoy – ABS Cashback Co-ordinator
Photos from the Duries ABS cashback session held on 07 February 2012
