A NEW boxing club designed to keep youngsters off the streets and out of trouble has been set up by Surrey Police.
Organisers hope it will help youngsters who could be tempted off the straight and narrow to channel their energies into something more productive, as well as providing a welcome diversion for all young people in the area.
And students taking part really will be able to box clever – as their sporting efforts can count towards a GCSE in physical education.
Godstone PCSO Seb Turner is taking a lead with the new club, which is looking for more volunteers to be trained up to help.
He said: "It started as just an idea, but then we managed to get somewhere to practice and the ball has just kept rolling.
"It's nice to be a part of something different. There are youth clubs, but I think this will help the kids who don't enjoy that or don't go.
"We are targeting the youngsters who live nearby who might not go to youth clubs and are looking for something different to do."
The club, which has yet to be given a name, will be based at Lagham Scout Hut, on Lagham Road in South Godstone.
Created as a not-for-profit organisation, any money made will be invested back into the club for new equipment and training.
PCSO Turner said that a rough estimate of the cost for the youngsters would be £3.70 per session, if ten children go along.
But the more children who attend, the cheaper it will become for them.
"I am going to visit local schools and youth clubs to try and drum up some more interest from the youngsters," added PCSO Turner.
"In the short term I hope to get the club up and running successfully, but in the long term I hope it will become self-sufficient.
"I am looking after the whole setting up of the club, but once it is up and running, then we will create a committee to run it with a treasurer and other posts like that.
"Full training will be given and I really hope we can get a lot of the community involved.
"We will also have a system where kids who come and box will gain six points towards a GCSE – there are 12 points for each total GCSE."
Network Rail and energy company Igas have invested in the scheme.
The rail infrastructure company has donated enough money to coach eight people while the Igas grant will go towards any further training needed, and equipment.
To volunteer to get involved with the running of the club, call PCSO Turner on 01483 632814.
