Boxing teaches pupils life skills

Gerard Walsh | 1st December 2009

STEWART Bailey reckons the boxing/fitness program for junior boy boarding students at Scots PGC College is getting better each year.

Bailey, the head of junior boys boarding, said students in years six to nine were involved in the boxing/fitness program.

“We are trying to get the boys to find another outlet to vent frustration rather than arguing with one another,” Bailey said.

The program is organised by Bailey and Dr John Kiss and is conducted each Friday night at the Warwick Boxing Club gym.

The boys’ training includes skipping, bike riding, bag work and sparring with Warwick Boxing Club members.

Bailey said the program was not designed to turn the boys into boxers.

“We are giving them the ability to defend themselves and walk away from a confrontation rather than be involved,” Bailey said.

Each week during school term, 30 boys travel to the gym for weekly two-hour sessions.

Bailey said Dr Kiss was the head coach of the program.

“His son James is one of the main coaches which earnt him a principal’s award at speech day for his contribution to junior boys boarding,” he said.

“Some coaches from the Warwick Boxing Club and parents of students at the college also help.”

Each year, the program finishes with a sparring exhibition at the boxing gym.

Bailey said in the five years the program had been operating, not one student had suffered an injury.

“No student has been involved in an altercation using the skills they have been taught,” Bailey said.

“We have had several boys walk away which is what we are trying to teach.”

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