COMMUNITY: CALZAGHE BOXING ACADEMY PARTNERSHIP

Cardiff City FC Community & Education Foundation is delighted to announce its partnership with the Joe Calzaghe Boxing Academy as the pilot establishment for a brand new full-time programme set to commence in January 2015.

At present, the Foundation’s flagship delivery is its Education and Futsal Programme, run from the Cardiff City House of Sport, whilst basketball, and now boxing are also available as practical alternatives to accompany the education component.

The programme will be available for 16-18 year old boys and girls, who will be working towards a BTEC Level 2 in Sport, alongside practical targets to be outlined by designated professional boxing coaches.

This week, the Foundation took a group of prospective participants along to the open day at Calzaghe’s renowned boxing gym in Newbridge.

The launch began with an open floor Q&A before attendees had a once in a lifetime opportunity to step in to the ring with the former Super Middleweight Champion of the World for a photo opportunity, and a personal meet and greet with Joe himself.

“It’s great that the Foundation offers different sports. As far as boxing goes, it’s a great sport,” Joe began. “When I was young there wasn’t this opportunity, if I didn’t succeed at boxing I don’t know what I’d do. It was difficult, but I kept dedicated and kept believing in myself.”

Speaking on the demands of the training, Joe continued: “They can expect hard work, boxing’s a hard sport – it’s not a game, it’s a sport.

“I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be great. All I want to see is these children having that focus, and enjoying it. As long as they enjoy it, they’ll take benefits from it.”

No prior boxing experience is required, so if you’re interested in getting involved in this new programme under the affiliation of both Cardiff City FC Community Foundation and the Joe Calzaghe Academy, get in touch via: boxing@cardiffcityfc.co.uk