Boxing Connections

Boxing Futures (charity number 1162986) is a registered charity. Our focus is to improve the life chances of young people that experience poor mental wellbeing, inequality, loneliness, and social isolation. Through the delivery of programmes that utilise a combination of non-contact boxing and therapeutic support, we support them in reaching potential. Boxing Futures has 3 broad aims: 1. To combat loneliness and build relationships amongst socially isolated individuals 2. To improve physical and mental health 3. To strengthen personal autonomy, resilience, and self-belief Boxing Futures helps young people to build their confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, whilst also improving health and fitness. We do this by utilising our developed social emotional toolkit which engages young people in conversations around the things that matter most to them and support growth in their wellbeing. Using a series of modules, which include topics such as, ‘Who Am I,’ ‘Positive Relationships’ and ‘Loss and Endings,’ our coaches combine the best of both physical and mental wellbeing learning. We provide the opportunity for young people to gain their Bronze Boxercise Award and our alumni service users, have the chance to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. The weekly sessions include: • Setting clear boundaries between staff and participants in the form of a group contract: This aids trust, respect, and confidentiality within each group. • Each session has a clear beginning, middle and ending: This helps with expectations around the importance of attending all sessions, punctuality, and clear structures for all. • Delivering topics from the user- manuals and offering flexibility, depending on environmental factors and anything that has changed in the world currently: All students will be empowered and encouraged to use their autonomy and add any topics spoken about in addition to the current programme content. This enhances individuality, and diversity within each group. • Structured non-contact boxing programme: This compliments the topics within the therapeutic discussion and highlights the emphasis on the importance of physical wellbeing. Our coaches provide a blend of activities such as team building, circuit training and the non-contact boxing that gives young people the freedom to express themselves in a safe environment. The programme provides fitness sessions that are fun, easy to teach, and suitable for all ages and abilities. This has been shown to build confidence and increase self-esteem, as well as strength, discipline, focus and awareness of space. The non-contact boxing element of the programme enhances the sports specific senses such as, hand-eye co-ordination, balance, and timing.