School boxing scheme to be run across the county
A BOXING scheme introduced in Derby following the fatal shooting of teenager Kadeem Blackwood has proved so successful that it is being extended across the county.
Police believe giving youngsters the chance to be involved in the sport will keep them off the streets and away from the bad influence of gangs.
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Flashback: Our story from earlier this month about Sinfin pupils getting the boxing training.
Youngsters at Grampian Primary School, Sinfin, have just completed eight weeks of boxing training under the Ozbox scheme.
Now 40 police officers and volunteers have been taught how to deliver the sessions so they can be introduced in any Derbyshire school.
Sergeant Steve Osbaldeston, who founded the scheme, said four vans packed with boxing equipment had been bought by the force.
He said: "Gangs are being glamourised to youngsters and we intend to stop that from happening.
"The scheme introduces youngsters into the world of exercise and non-contact boxing.
"If a youngster then wants to take the sport further, they are pointed in the direction of a recognised boxing club local to them."
Ozbox has been running for the last six years in Chesterfield and was introduced in Sinfin in February.
It followed the death of 15-year-old Kadeem Blackwood, who was shot on the Caxton Street recreation ground in November.
Sgt Osbaldeston, who has bought the equipment with the help of funding from councils and community partners, said Derbyshire Chief Constable Mick Creedon was keen for sessions to be introduced into every school in Derbyshire.
Sgt Osbaldeston said: "The vans are now equipped and recently 40 police officers, police community support officers and volunteers from across the county were trained by Amateur Boxing Association of England regional coaches."
Youngsters are now being encouraged to a join a new boxing gym on Stockbrook Street, Derby, which has been opened by the Ozbox team with the assistance of the city council.
The club will be run by Derbyshire coach Alex Neave and will be known as the Derby City Boxing Academy.
Sgt Osbaldeston said: "It is a fact that, while the scheme is operating in hot-spot areas, calls for service to the police drop significantly and, in some cases, no calls for service are made."
5 Comments
by steve osbaldeston, derbyshire
Friday, April 17 2009, 11:09AM
“In answer to Joannes comments, we work closely with the youth service and other partners in getting the message of sport out to the local youth ,If for example after the initial sessions the youth prefer football or similar we would point them in the direction of our other partners who actually specialise in that role , our main aim is to get them into sport firstly ,and secondly off the streets with an activity they will enjoy and therefore maintain their interest in , which then keeps them off the streets, it has to be said that the sessions are none contact and aimed at discipline ,and respect both for themselves each other and the wider community , we find that the youth in general appreciate the rules of boxing when explained and presented to them properly and we are achieving good results,”
by Paul Beech, Rutland
Tuesday, April 14 2009, 10:57AM
“What a fantastic idea. I see there are comments about boxing not being the best sport to discourage violence, well it is probably the best to encourage fitness in mind and body and without doubt the best way to encourage self discipline. There aren't enough initiatives today teaching this type of respect for others and boxing does just that so I think that Sgt Osbaldeston and the police in general should be commended.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Monday, April 13 2009, 12:33PM
“Comments not getting through.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Monday, April 13 2009, 12:31PM
“Excellent project- but could I ask why only boxing?
Is this the best way to reduce aggression?
I'm really in favour of a whole variety of sports and self defence being available to young people.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Monday, April 13 2009, 12:19PM
“I think it's a great idea to teach sports and self defence to young people. But why all the emphasis on boxing alone?
Is this the best sport to encourage less violence?
But generally sounds like an excellent project.”