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Wakefield Wildcats

 

Box Clever – A real knockout for these boys!

Box Clever is a modular programme focused on using the sport of boxing to develop students physically, emotionally and academically. Over a ten week programme young people take part in high energy boxing training sessions as well as classroom workshops where the qualities needed to become a successful sportsman are examined and reflected upon. Through the boxing sessions the students start to recognise that they are capable of demonstrating good levels of focus, concentration and self discipline. They then take these qualities into other aspects of their lives. The programme has been very successful with many young people showing improved behaviour, attendance and achievement in all aspects of their schooling. As part of the Box clever programme a group of students from City School in Sheffield went to Belle Vue – the home of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, where they got to meet Rugby League legend Paul Broadbent.

Whilst at the club the young people learnt about the clubs history, marketing and how a professional rugby player prepares for competition. This was delivered by Mark Winder, Learning Zone Manager. Mark said, "The students were fantastic. They were exceptionally well behaved and enjoyed learning about our club. Most of them did not know a great deal about rugby league so I felt it fitting to invite Paul to come and speak to them about his Challenge Cup triumph whilst being captain of Sheffield Eagles. His talk was truly inspirational; he spoke about how with self-belief and determination people can achieve great things" Whilst at the club the pupils were informed of the passing of Wakefield’s Adam Watene.

The young men decided that they would like to do something positive through sport to thank Wakefield for their hospitality in making the day so special and in honour of Adams memory they committed to raising some money for the Adam Watene fund. The boys are now busy planning an event whereby they will collectively swim the length of the English Channel whilst wearing boxing gloves. Box Clever Mentor Dermot Gascoyne said “I am very proud of the boys; it is a reflection of the progress they have made whilst on the box clever programme that they have decided to do this selfless and charitable act. The boys have formed a committee and have already booked a pool where the event will take place in the New Year. I also have to thank the teachers involved at City School who have been very supportive every step of the way and a real pleasure to work with”

Related links: www.wakefieldwildcats.co.uk