How boxing bucks the trend to get people into gyms in deprived areas

In a new report, by Sheffield Hallam University and England Boxing, it reveals how and why boxing clubs have been so successful in engaging with people in deprived areas and helping to combat anti-social behavioural problems.

Previous research shows that people in low socio-economic groups have frequently proven to be the hardest to engage in terms of getting them physically active on a regular basis.

However results revealed England Boxing has been able to buck that trend, with 40 per cent of member clubs situated in the 20 per cent most deprived areas of the country.

Ron Tulley, England Boxing’s head of development, said: "For many years people within boxing have known that the sport does a great job working in the toughest communities in England, often developing young people and steering them away from anti-social behaviour, but it’s been hard to explain to others exactly why that is."

The "intense bond" often created between boxer and coach was highlighted in the report as a major factor in helping people off the streets and into the gyms.

Results also showed the culture and ethos of the sport had a significant impact as boxing has a global presence and enjoys a popularity which transcends nationalities and builds bridges between cultures.

The researchers say the report will help more boxing clubs – and clubs from other sports – to become integrated in their communities, providing social as well as sporting development.

Mr Tulley said: "For some areas, the resident boxing club has become the very hub of the community offering services above and beyond boxing training.

"Even those outside the sport frequently reflect that boxing is good for young people because ‘it keeps them off the streets’, and it’s what clubs do with the young people when they are off the streets that really matters."

The study is based on interviews and evidence provided by a sample of 60 of the country’s clubs that are proactive in their respective communities.

Across Yorkshire eight boxing clubs were involved including The Hunslet Club and Unorthobox in Leeds, Rawthorpe Amateur Boxing Club, Huddersfield, and Vulcan ABC in Hull. While in Sheffield, Ingle Boxing Club, Aspire Boxing Club and Sheffield City ABC took part.

David Barrett, a researcher from Sheffield Hallam University, said the results highlighted the importance of voluntary sports clubs to local communities.

He said one of the most significant challenges for sport development practitioners in recent years has been to find ways to engage with people from BAME groups, those from low-income backgrounds and young people who are at risk of becoming involved in crime or gang activity.

Mr Barrett said: "Boxing’s evident success in this area offers a blueprint for other sports."

The report was produced by the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) at Sheffield Hallam University and was funded by Sport England.

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England's chief executive, said the research can be a valuable tool for the sports sector as a whole.

He said: "Boxing is a sport with a really powerful opportunity to reach and engage with different audiences and this is in no small part down in part to the coaches, who often take on a mentoring role.

"I hope the insight gained from this research can help other sports and activities reach more people from all backgrounds, so more people can enjoy the benefits of being active."

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