A NEW pioneering venture is bringing the craft of the boxing ring to York’s children.

The Community Sporting Boxing Club got uppercut and swinging after it attracted funding from the City of York Council.

Now in its fledgling formation the club has already attracted more than 150 York children – boys and girls – each week to its ethos of discipline, respect, team-work and community.

They have another 100 youngsters on a waiting-list for the next 12-week course, which has been increased from its original two-month duration.

And under the leadership of trainers Andy Miller, who initiated the club, and Andy Baxter, it holds weekly classes across the city encompassing Westfield School, Oaklands Sports Centre, the Archbishop of York School in Bishopthorpe and Huntington+School%22">Huntington School.

Such has been the popularity in the sport from youngsters and their parents, who are eager to have their children taught the noble art in a qualified and stewarded environment, that the CSBC are looking for a permanent home.

Said Baxter: “The response has been fantastic with boxing bringing the kids and the rest of the community together, which was one of the main aims.

“It’s not just about boxing. It’s more about being disciplined in a sporting activity and learning lessons in life.

“Besides the coaching, there are lessons in diet and nutrition and we strive to ensure that the kids know all about teamwork while they get exercise at the same time.”

Added Baxter, who has been a boxing trainer for the past four years: “We are a totally non-profit-making club run by volunteers, with a lot of parents keen to help out.

“But quite a lot of our funding goes into the hiring of venues to hold the sessions.

“So we could now do with a permanent base somewhere in the city.”

Anyone who can provide any assistance to the club’s push for a more solid home can phone Baxter on 07762 565711.