A boxing academy to help disadvantaged young fighters has launched offering qualifications in the ring.
A skills session was held for future students at the boxing gym in The Hub in Bishopsford Road, Mitcham on Monday for the launch of Full Fitness Boxing.
Starting from September, the Full Fitness Academy will offer a boxing and education scholarship program for 16 to 19 year-olds, where they can study a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport while training in boxing full-time.
The launch featured training with inflatable gloves, worn here by Ashley Bosah. Front: Students Troy Williams, Nathan Bryant and Jordan Wilson.
There are 20 places available for the qualification, which is equivalent to three A Levels, and the program includes Level 2 Functional skills in English and maths for those who did not achieve an A to C grade in English at GCSE.
Founder and manager of Full Fitness Education, Jordan Wilson, said: "We are taking on pupils who are at risk of becoming NEET, Not in Education, Employment or Training, as well as individuals who may be from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"They do not have to have the necessary experience to enrol but would need to be keen on boxing.
"We aim to inspire young individuals with a passion for sport and fitness to reach their goals regardless of their circumstance."
The first of three live exhibitions were held on Monday, August 24, as part of the launch, which included demonstrations from professional boxers and the chance to take part in challenges wearing oversized inflatable gloves, nine foot in the air, and inside an inflatable boxing ring.
The Full Fitness Boxing Academy has been funded by Virtual Learning UK, and will be the first institution offering a BTEC Sport qualification to provide boxing as the practical sport.
Full Fitness Education, founded in 2012, also provides courses in personal training and health and safety.
To sign up for the course, contact Mr Wilson by email on jordan@full-fitness.co.uk or call 0800 566 8481 or 07496 093 462.
Visit the website on www.fullfitnesseducation.com
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