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.

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."