Located at the Crawley Mill Industrial Estate on the edge of Witney, the West Oxon Boxing and Fitness Club is a family run charitable club which is fully exclusive and is open to anyone from the age of 6 upwards.
The art of boxing is no longer seen just as a sport to compete in the ring as it can also be used as a platform to improve body strength, increase fitness, lose weight, and learn to box. The coaches also aim to encourage social inclusion, increase participant’s confidence levels, and decrease stress. The Club’s experienced male and female coaches are aware of the mental and physical benefits of boxing and are passionate to get the absolute best out of every individual that walk through their doors, no matter what their ability.
Sammy, a spokesperson for the Club tells us more: “One of our aims this year is to support NEET young people and work with more SEN children as well as continuing with our outreach programme reaching both primary and secondary Schools. We run session at the club for all ages from 6 years plus and all abilities and being part of the Club has certainly changed how many of the younger members think and behave as a testimonial from one of the Secondary Schools we are currently working with demonstrates.”
“Boxing has been so positive for a range of students this year, so thank you so much for your sessions. I have seen several students improve their outlook over the course of this academic year and they all cite Boxing as a big part of why they are motivated to change.”
For one of the Y11 members in particular, he has taken a real shine to the sport. It has changed his lifestyle behaviours completely and he now wants to take up boxing as a career. For other students, being part of the Club has helped them regulate their emotions during the school day. Often, they can be heard saying “I’m going to be good and stay out of fights and trouble so that I can go boxing this week on a regular basis.”
For another student, who also managing to regulate his emotions in a more positive way, boxing has enabled the coaches to reach him whilst he is ‘seeing red’ in a way that people have never been able to previously do.
Boxing classes are also held for girls and ladies. The girl’s group has been massively positive for many reasons. Sammy tells us more:
“We have found that girls not only build their resilience but their self-confidence too. Taking part in our boxing classes also provides a positive motivator through the school week. One Y11 female now exercises at home and bonds with her Dad whilst she does this; her confidence and skill increases weekly. We also run a ladies boxersize session where our ladies can really let off steam. Using core fitness, bag work and pad work. We can guarantee not only will you have fun, but you will feel great too.”
Since all the coaches and volunteers associated with the West Oxon Boxing and Fitness Club have recently completed their First Aid Training, and as the Club is getting busier by the day, they have realised the importance of having a Defibrillator at the Club.
They were recently visited by Ashley from The Rotary Club who understood the passion and importance of the work that the Boxing Club does and the people that they support in their Community.
“We are very grateful for the guidance and generous financial support we have received from The Rotary Club which has enabled us to purchase the machine and keep all our members as safe as possible.”
If you are interested in finding out more about the West Oxon Boxing and Fitness Club visit their website westoxonboxing.co.uk, their Facebook page facebook.com/westoxonbox or contact the Club by email at theloftwobc@gmail.com
