YOUNGSTERS are being given the chance to spar their way into employment – by being offered a GCSE in boxing.
Brentwood Boxing Club has 22 members aged 8 to 16 enrolled on the GB National Boxing Awards course – which when completed gives them a qualification equivalent to a GCSE in the sport.
Joe Taylor, 46, who has been training young fighters at the Brentwood Boxing Academy for the past 11 years, said the course gave a focus and goal for those less academically inclined, as well as those who want to add to the clutch of subjects they are already studying at secondary school.
The club, in Fairfield Road, Brentwood, doesn't just keep youngsters off the streets, Joe is keen to add that it keeps them fit too.
He said: "We've got kids here who typically struggle with reading and writing.
"That's not to say that are not bright. But when they have an interest like boxing, it gives them a drive to succeed in it.
"They can put this on their CV.
"If a young lad came to me looking for an apprenticeship, this is just the sort of thing I would be looking for in him.
"At the end of the day it shows they have a dedication and application. What more could you ask for?"
The 48-week boxing course – accredited by the ASDAN examining board – guides youngsters through the basic skills of boxing, starting with a preliminary award covering the basic techniques of a stance and guard through to a platinum award, 48 weeks later, involving a three-round bout.
Although there are youngsters at the club from the age of six, no contact is allowed until 11.
Joe added: "The kids love it and they are able to show their potential."
Lewis Edner, 16, from Brentwood, said: "I have come here to get a GCSE. It will really help me out in my grades at Shenfield High School.
"I started coming here to get fit, and then I sort of got into it more, and then you get more confident, and you make more friends here."
Frank Taylor, ten, from Grays said: "I came here all because I wanted to get fitter, I had been eating a lot of fatty foods, like fast foods and it was not good for me.
"My cousins started coming here first and then I came because I thought it would make me fit, it has been really good so far."
Jake Alexander Smith, 13, from Brentwood, said: "I really like boxing, I used to watch it on TV, with my mum when I was younger and my favourite boxer is Muhammad Ali.
"This class has really taught me how to be a better boxer, and how to control my temper because I do have a bit of a temper.
"The GCSE is really going to help, but I hope to get to quite a high level with my boxing and really take it further."
