Newham youth organisation Fight for Peace has unveiled a new initiative aimed at increasing participation levels of disabled and neurodivergent children in sport, writes Chris Whitmore

a person laces up boxing gloves for a young pugilist — Image via fightforpeace.net

Later this month, Fight for Peace will launch a free weekly boxing class, exclusively for children between the ages of 11 and 16 with special educational needs and disabilities.

Hosted at the charity’s Woolwich Academy, the one-hour sessions will create a relaxed and friendly space for young people to learn boxing skills, develop confidence and build connections, regardless of their individual challenges.

“Boxing has an ethos of discipline and hard work,” said Fight for Peace coach Justyn. “However, we understand that neurodiverse young people who come in could have ADHD or autism, which might not allow them to be as engaged and focused in a conventional, ultra-competitive group.

“Our SEND Boxing Sessions” will allow young people to be more comfortable. It will be a lot more non-contact, a lot more protected in that respect, but we’ll still be teaching different combinations, we’ll still be there to have fun and engage in a new sport for many of the participants.”

Established in 2002, Fight for Peace is a youth-led organisation that combines boxing and martial arts with education and personal development to help young people in communities affected by crime and violence to realise their potential.

By reaching a more diverse range of young people, Fight for Peace aims to bring together individuals with similar shared experiences, while removing some of the barriers to participation in combat sports.

“We want to show that boxing can be inclusive to everybody,” Justyn added. “Boxing gyms have a stereotype for being strict and tough, but they can be fun too. I’ve seen the positive impact boxing can have on people from all walks of life: those that have disabilities, behavioural issues, but also those suffering with their mental health.”

Fight for Peace’s “SEND Boxing Classes” take place every Monday from 6-7pm, starting on September 30.

To find out more about or enquire about any specific access requirements, please e-mail info@fightforpeace.net.

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