After a desperate appeal to find a new, larger home, a Werribee-based boxing program for at-risk young people has been given a fighting chance.
As previously reported by Star Weekly, most of the boxers involved in the program are from low-socioeconomic families or have struggled to hold down or secure full-time education or employment.
Coach Darren Cowley said the program, based at In-Balance Fitness, was aimed at instilling a sense of purpose in the participants.
With numbers booming, Mr Cowley last month issued a plea for a larger venue to secure the program’s long-term future.
Hoppers Crossing gym BoxingFit has come to the rescue.
Youth worker and volunteer mentor Andrew Zerafa said everyone was looking forward to being able to expand the program.
“BoxingFit met with Darren and they were happy to help us out,” Mr Zerafa said.
“We’ve been provided with more space and our own area – it’s fantastic.”
Mr Zerafa, who works as a school well-being councillor, said the program was transforming young lives.
“Some of our kids have dropped out of school, are unemployed or are just angry at the world and have nobody to look up to,” he said.
“We teach them how to look after their mental and physical health and the value and rewards that come from hard work.”
