Taking sparring inside the ring and away from the streets has helped reduce teenage antisocial behaviour in Feltham.
A boxing club at Feltham Community College, Browells Lane, has proven to help cops lower the level of antisocial behaviour by keeping young people off the streets and in the ring.
Thames Valley Housing (TVH) Association which donated £500 from its community chest fund last summer, has allowed Feltham Police Community Boxing Club to offer free classes for children aged nine to 14.
The lessons are delivered by two Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) level 2 coaches and two ABA level 1 volunteer coaches.
For a small fee (£2.50), the club is also open to young men and women aged between 14 and 21, with the money invested back into funding the sessions.
Barry Malki, TVH community investment manager, added: “According to statistics collected by the police, there are fewer instances of antisocial behaviour in Feltham town centre when the club is open.”
The club also aims to bridge the relationship gap between local youth and police.
Chris Martin, researcher at Feltham police and one of the organisers, said: “We are very grateful to TVH for helping us.
"Thanks to this funding, we have managed to secure the location, equipment and coaches to offer young people somewhere to go on a Friday night."
The boxing club is open every Friday from 5.30pm-6.30pm for nine to 13-year-olds; and 6.30pm-7.30pm for 14 to 21-year-olds.
To join the club call Chris Martin on 07850 862 897 or email chrismartin2011@live.co.uk.
