English teacher, Christine Watkins, a firm believer in health and fitness, established the school’s boxing club last September. Up to 20 students are enrolled, ranging from year 7-11 with an almost equal mix of boys and girls.

The school linked up with Josh Bond of Ashfield District Council, who is a qualified ABA boxing tutor, enabling the group to take part and achieve an Asdan accredited Boxing award. Josh was also able to provide funds to hire the services of a professional boxing coach to help teach the students.

Boxing is a very demanding sport and as such has greatly increased the physical and mental fitness of the club’s members. Their enthusiasm has led them to demonstrate their skills to primary school children and other visitors at a healthy living event held at the Dalestorth Primary School, which is encouraging the students to learn more about a community spirit.

The club has become one of the most popular in the school. One of its students, Jake Haynes, has become so enthusiastic with the sport that he has now joined a local boxing club. The school is now considering sponsoring Jake to enable him to pursue his new found interest to greater heights.

Josh Bond commented “The club at Quarrydale is one of the best I’ve been involved in and there is so much dedication shown by the staff and young people. The students are having so much fun learning this great Olympic sport as well as improving their health and wellbeing”.