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James Cullen inspiring
young people with boxing

by Nisha Chopra

It is a great way to keep fit, but boxing is also proving a
popular way to tackle problems with young people head on.

The number of youth boxing groups in Kent is soaring as
organisers believe it is a great way of tackling anti-social
behaviour and promoting discipline.

As many as 10 community boxing projects have been set up in Kent
in the last year alone thanks to funding from the Amateur Boxing
Association in England and other sponsors.

James Cullen, Kent boxing development officer at the Amateur
Boxing Association of England, said getting youths off the street
is a positive move.

He said: "We saw last year after the London riots anti-social
behavior being at its peak, so we need something to bring back the
discipline, the self esteem, the respect and boxing instills
that."

Sam Swann, 11, from Maidstone, is one of those to start boxing
after being bullied at school.

James added: "It can change lives. Sam is just one of a number
of success
stories, who has started boxing in a community project because
maybe they're having a tough time with other children at school or
they're a little overweight for their age."

Almost 30 Kent clubs are affiliated with ABA, including Westree
Amateur Boxing Club, in Parkwood - where up to 90 young people box
every evening.

ABA is now in talks with Sport England to get more community
boxing projects set up across the county.