A grassroots boxing and mentoring program in Werribee is helping to engage young people with the community.
The Wyndham Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) started in January this year.
The club is supported by the YSAS Youth Support and Advocacy Service, Victoria Police and Australian Trade Training and Assessment (ATTA).
YSAS team leader for Youth Support Services in Wyndham and Brimbank, Shane Williams, said the PCYC was aimed at “at-risk” boys and girls aged between 10 to 19 years.
They train at a Werribee gym from 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
“The attitude and respect from the kids is fantastic,” Mr Williams said.
“We’ve just been noticing an improvement in the young people’s general wellbeing, confidence, school attendance and attitudes, and it’s also great seeing the family involvement when they come down to support the kids.”
Once a month, the PCYC holds an intra-club night where they compete against other clubs.
Mr Williams said the PCYC also supported youth of all abilities, from novice boxers to elite juniors, who wanted to compete.
He said it was sometimes difficult for the club to supply the gear they needed to participate in boxing, such as mouth guards. To help out, the PCYC has started a fundraising campaign at gofundme.com/wyndham-pcyc.
Visit Wyndham PCYC Boxing Club on Facebook for more details.
