A NEW boxing club has been launched in York, giving a fresh opportunity for children to take up the sport as well as adults.

Gary Kelly has opened the Jorvik Boxing Club in a former science lab in the ex-Manor School building off Boroughbridge Road, which is now occupied by the Global Centre church.

Gary, who worked as a coach for many years at the York Boxing Club in Redeness Street, said he wanted the community-based club to give youngsters from the Acomb area, some of them underprivileged, a chance to focus their lives positively and keep out of trouble.

He said: “They can feel part of a team – it’s like a family when we get together - and they can learn discipline and respect in an adult environment, as well as keep fit.”

Gary said children as young as five could join the club, although they would be strictly restricted to non-contact “shadow boxing” – practising skills such as punching, blocking moves and legwork – until they were ready and old enough to start full-scale boxing. He also planned to launch a women’s boxing club.

Gary said he had an ABA coaching licence and mentoring qualifications and had fought in mixed martial arts since the age of 12.

He said children would pay £3 per session, and adults £5.

For more information, go to jorvikboxingclub.com or phone 0751 230 9067.