A new boxing fitness program is aimed at helping young Werribee residents facing a possibly rocky future.
Wyndham Community Boxing Club is run by volunteers and has teamed up with Boxing Fit Hoppers Crossing and Wyndham Youth Services to offer a free 10-week fitness program for young people at risk of disengaging.
Youth worker Andrew Zarafa started the program, which puts a strong emphasis on belonging to community, because he wanted to reach out to the young people of Werribee.
“We hope, through our program and community participation, that we can motivate, educate and help the young people of Wyndham succeed,” he said.
“We believe our program reaches out to the places that other sports don’t reach.
“It engages young people on their own terms and recognises that frustration and aggression that are so often the hallmarks of teenage years,” Mr Zarafa said.
The program has grown rapidly since it kicked off last month, with more than a dozen teenagers showing up each week.
“The response has been great. They’re turning up every week and, from teenagers, that’s a big thing. They’re really enjoying themselves.”
Mr Zarafa said boxing gives young people a sense of worth and self-esteem.
“They stop labelling themselves as drop-outs. The frantic quest to prove themselves by bravado isn’t necessary,” he said. “They no longer feel they have to pick fights but can walk away. Our program gives them the confidence to believe they can achieve their own personal goals, with support from members of our community,” Mr Zarafa said.
Email wyndhamcommunityboxingclub@gmail.com to sign up.
