‘Box Smart’ is a collaborative, place-based approach supported by local schools and Orchard Park Neighbourhood Policing Team focused on reducing youth anti-social behaviour on the Orchard Park estate.
The second year of delivery (having already engaged eighty-two participants with the support of Humber VPP in year one) Will use boxing participation to equip children and young people with new behaviours that inspire healthy relationships, positive mindset, and clear goals for the future.
‘Box Smart’ will deliver three, ninety-minute sessions weekly from the Wellbeing Facility on Orchard Park Road. One session on a Wednesday evening will be for children aged ten to twelve (years six and seven), with one for young people aged twelve to fourteen (years eight and nine) on a Thursday, and a third for young people aged fourteen to sixteen (years ten and eleven) on a Friday.
All sessions will be delivered between 6.30pm and 8pm by qualified coaches and young volunteers who have lived experience of the challenges of growing up on the estate.
Using the boxing analogy of twelve rounds, participants will complete circuit style physical activity for twelve, three-minute periods across their session. Each session will have a personal development theme which will be focused upon during rest periods that seek to improve wellbeing, stimulate skill development, and educate on the dangers of crime. This will include resilience, confidence, communication, and problem solving as well as diversionary areas such as substance misuse, gangs, relationships, and consequences. Whilst the boxing aspect is the engagement tool, it will empower young people to be physically and mentally fitter and aware of the impact of negative behaviours. Every session will complete with healthy refreshments and a teamwork exercise designed to strengthen bonds and friendships.
