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Boxing project's 'positive impact' on young people

East Riding of Yorkshire Council Three women in a boxing ring with their hands held aloft. India is wearing a red t-shirt and has brown hair in a ponytail. Debbie is in the middle with a long-sleeve black top on and has shoulder-length blonde hair, while Victoria has pink boxing gloves on and a white jumper with a teddy bear on it. She has short blonde hair. Outside of the ring, posters are on the wall and flags of different countries are hanging in a row along the top of the wall.East Riding of Yorkshire Council
From left, In Your Corner boxing coach India Wilkinson, Goole Youth Action youth worker Debbie Fletcher and councillor Victoria Aitken

A boxing project has been praised for having a "powerful impact" on young people.

In Your Corner, run by Goole Youth Action, works with those aged 11 and over who are struggling with school, relationships, or confidence or could possibly turn to antisocial behaviour in the future.

The project teaches boxing basics as well as life skills such as nutrition, fitness and cooking.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, East Riding of Yorkshire Council's cabinet member for children, families and education, said projects like this can "really help a young person and provide that early intervention that changes their life course".

Aitken, who visited the project to see for herself the impact it was having, spoke to one young person who had been out of education for two years.

"After completing the programme, the young person is now back at school, in full time education – demonstrating what a powerful impact the course has had," she said.

A youth support worker is also on hand to help each young person get the most out of the programme.

Referrals are made via the council's youth offending team, safer communities and young people's support and safeguarding services.

All the young people taking part join the programme voluntarily.

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