Boxing scholarship gives students fighting chance

A Rotherham school has welcomed a local world champion boxer to launch its boxing scholarship programme.

Maltby Academy Trust said it was "incredibly proud" of the programme, which offers "elite-level coaching with high-quality education" for 16 to 19 year-olds.

Sheffield's Dalton Smith, the current World Boxing Council (WBC) super-lightweight title holder, joined other fighters from the region for a workout at the launch event, and shared stories from his career.

Smith hailed the programme, saying: "You've got the exercise, a healthy routine and a positive way of dealing with things, especially with mental health being such a big part of society now."

Organisers said the scholarship aimed to keep young people in education while learning boxing skills - with the potential to develop careers in coaching.

It would also support students to develop other skills including social media, photography and CV development.

Smith said the scholarship would "have a lasting impact, whatever path they choose to follow".

A South Yorkshire-based charity, DC Boxing, is behind the scholarship, with support from another charity, Empire Fighting Chance, which helps community boxing clubs across the UK to help people who are disadvantaged.

DC Boxing CEO Ian Huddleston said its boxing gym was already based at the school.

"It will help them get into the jobs market or get into university, or if they want to they can do extra training and do boxing or coaching," he said.

"It will be bespoke to every young person that comes through - getting the next Dalton Smith would be nice - but our main aim is to give young people a bit more hope."

Liam Ransome, director of education at Maltby Academy Trust, said it had seen positive results from its other scholarship programmes.

"Sport provides a powerful pathway into learning, helping young people build confidence, develop discipline and experience success," he said.

Empire Fighting Chance's Aaron Morten said the group worked alongside boxing clubs to help them run effectively and to develop programmes that nurtured young people to improve their lives and benefit their local communities.

He said: "It's an opportunity for young people to stay in education through the power of boxing.

"The young people will be completing the course, and after two years they're feeling more enthusiastic about the future and have more qualifications."

Students can work towards A-levels or vocational courses - and their CVs will boast an introduction to Level 1 coaching qualification through governing body England Boxing.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North