AFC Fylde Community Foundation are one of nine Football Club Community Organisations (CCOs) across Lancashire who deliver the Champions project - in partnership with Lancashire Violence Reduction Network.
Champions is an innovate intervention programme supporting young people aged 10-25 with experience or at risk of offending behaviours. The programme is non-judgemental and confidential. Participation is voluntary.
One of our participants, Lewis, was referred to the boxing session via local PCSO's. He was struggling to find something that gave him a focus in life, therefore he found himself bored and just hanging out in the local area.
Lewis mentioned that he suffers from low confidence at times so wasn't sure what was best for him to get involved with.
He is an avid AFC Fylde fan who regularly attends home matches and occasionally even away days, so he was more than happy to engage with the Foundation's support programme.
Initially, Lewis' attendance was every other week due to the nature of the sessions catering for two groups over alternate weeks. After a few weeks, the sessions merged and Lewis became one of the most regular and consistent attendees each week.
This weekly engagement allowed Lewis to improve his skills and technique as well as giving him a new motivation and focus.
Lewis' confidence has increased massively, largely down to the brilliant coaching team at the boxing club. They have helped Lewis develop other life skills, such as resilience, discipline, respect and commitment.
The coaches believe they could see a real difference in Lewis with the progress he has made over recent weeks and months. The 15-year-old has started attending one-to-one sessions outside of the regular group sessions on a Thursday.
This highlights the progress he has made and how beneficial it is for him - he is also turning into a young man that the younger kids can look up to and follow his example.
The sessions have become a regular part of Lewis' week which he looks forward to and he also can't wait for the AFC Fylde's new season to start.
Our Community Development Co-ordinator, Scott Harries, who oversees the boxing sessions, has said: "It's been a pleasure being able to see Lewis grow as a person over these last few months. Children like Lewis really benefit from having the right support system around him.
"He is a really good lad who is starting to gain confidence in himself which is a brilliant sight to see.
"The sessions provide young people with a safe environment with supportive staff and coaches to keep them on the right track and presents the opportunity for them to express themselves."
If you believe yourself or someone you know may benefit from our Champions project, please email: daisy.sheridan@afcfylde.co.uk.
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