Boxing proves it still packs a punch – especially for primary school girls

HEALTH and safety fears might put some schools off letting pupils into a boxing ring but the sport is proving a winner at one Yorkshire primary – for both boys and girls.

Female pupils at Springwood Community Primary in Bradford were so impressed with the boy’s boxing club they demanded one of their own.

Now the inner-city school is running what is believed to be the only girls boxing club at primary school level in the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The sessions are non-contact so pupils do not get hurt but teachers say they can pack a powerful punch when training with the pads.

The girls turn up every Monday afternoon to train with this season’s rising female boxing star Saira Tabasum, runner up in the British Universities Championships, and pro boxers such as Tasif Khan. At 6ft 3in, PE teacher Luke Swift is more than twice the height of some of the girls throwing punches at him but says his charges are keeping him on his toes.

“I’m really impressed by how keen they all are,” he said. “I asked the kids what they wanted to do and boxing was just about top.

“Some schools have health and safety concerns and steer clear of boxing. But the boys’ club went really well and the girls soon caught on and demanded their own club. It is the only regular girls boxing club at primary school level. We asked if they wanted a mixed club but the majority wanted single sex.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They go home tired out. It is good exercise for them and also very empowering. It has only been going four weeks but we have had a dozen sign up – only slightly less than the boys.

“Some of the girls are more aggressive than the boys, which is great to see. They may be mild-mannered and placid in class but when they come here they really let off steam.”

Pupil Meliazah McMahon, eight, said: “I do karate at another place and thought it would help. I did not really know what to do at first but I soon got used to it.

“I do karate but boxing is better. I really like punching.”

Any girl who shows potential in the ring will be placed under the wing of Bradford College’s boxing academy to train with the pros.

Related topics: