The sport of boxing has so many benefits, both mental and physical, and the great part is that it isn’t just adults who can take advantage of the sport’s many positives.
In fact, boxing can have an arguably bigger impact in the lives of children and young people.
In modern day life it’s a sad fact that youngsters are increasingly suffering from health problems in body and mind. Physical issues including childhood obesity are on the rise, as is the rate of mental disorders in five to 15 year olds, according to government statistics.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, many children and young people had developed a habit for copious amounts of screen time - meaning a lack of physical activity but an increase in the opportunity for emotional issues to develop.
The good news is that parents and carers can inspire their youngsters to be active now, thereby helping them to put in place better habits as they grow up and enter adulthood.
If you are a parent or carer interested in encouraging your child to get into boxing, read on to find out about the benefits of boxing for youngsters, and when you can get them started on the path to physical and mental wellbeing.
Mind over matter: The mental health benefits of boxing for youngsters
Making the time for your own wellbeing, no matter your age, can be an extremely empowering action to take. By being encouraged to prioritise themselves in this way, children and young people will soon develop confidence and benefit from improvements to their psychological resilience.
The focus required for boxing training will help to polish mental and emotional concentration in all other aspects of a young person’s life. Boxing is all about dedication and self-discipline, and being taught self-protection will instil a sense of respect for others.
Punching above their weight: The physical health benefits of boxing for youngsters
As mentioned above, childhood obesity is a struggle that increasing numbers of youngsters are facing. The amazing cardiovascular workout that boxing provides will improve fitness, build upper-body strength, and ensure a healthier weight can be maintained.
The skill involved in boxing, particularly in terms of footwork, will lead to an improvement in agility and balance. And, of course, learning to land those punches will hone a young person’s developing hand-eye coordination.
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Friends for life: The social benefits of boxing for youngsters
While boxing is an individual sport, children and young people will train with others close to their age group, meaning there is always plenty of opportunity for friendships to be forged.
And while the ages may be similar, backgrounds can vary hugely, allowing youngsters to meet and develop respect for children from other walks of life. Of course this all applies to a post-Covid world but - once we get there - young boxers will be back to travelling to compete and gaining life experience from visiting new places.
Is age just a number: When to get youngsters involved in boxing
Some clubs will run with a lower age limit, so it is always best to check with your local clubs. It is also a good idea to use the England Boxing Club Finder to identify affiliated clubs that offer junior sessions.
Any parents or carers with safety concerns should be reassured that – when youngsters are properly supervised and instructed by trained adults – boxing is a perfectly safe sport that can have huge rewards for their mental, physical and social health.
