Boxing pilot created by council and police to support youngsters

The In Your Corner programme, which ran during the summer term, aims to develop the self-esteem and respect for others of budding youngsters who might be at risk of being exploited.

Led by England Boxing qualified coach Dan Knight, the initiative saw the In Your Corner personal training group, Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) and Thames Valley Police come together to help pupils develop their boxing skills.

Superintendent Felicity Parker, Police Commander for Bracknell and Wokingham said: “This has been a really worthwhile project to invest in.

“We want to make sure we take opportunities to steer people on to a better path, particularly away from crime.

“This is an example of another great local initiative.”

The scheme, which was based on a successful programme in South London, supported ten pupils at risk of exclusion from two Bracknell Forest schools and ran over the course of twelve weeks.

According to Jo Manisier, Student Support Manager at The Brakenhale School, students taking part “enjoyed” the programme and there were no school exclusions for any of the participating youngsters in the same term.

Nick Young, Exploitation Prevention Manager at Bracknell Forest Council and assistant coach on the programme, added: “It was great getting to know the students and to see their boxing ability improve over the twelve sessions.

“I’m hoping that the enthusiasm they’ve shown on the programme will motivate them to continue with the sport.”

The programme was a pilot scheme supported by BFC’s children’s services Makesafe team and was funded by Thames Valley Police (TVP).

Superintendent Parker added: “I would welcome other ideas from the community on how we can help those at risk of being on the periphery of crime”.