Rising to the challenge

Rose Brebner (left) and Kimberley Brown, and below, some of the young people who train at the gym

These female boxers are just two of the hot prospects training at a west Hull gym.
Rose Brebner (14) and Kimberley Brown (15) have ambitions to make a name for themselves in the amateur boxing world.
With the support of Hull Saints Amateur Boxing Club in West Dock Street, they have gained their registration from the Amateur Boxing Association to take part in official bouts.
"Female boxing is growing in popularity," says boxing coach Gordon Haigh.
"There are 500 female boxers in England and Rose and Kimberley are showing real promise.
"If they keep working hard they can go on and achieve things through the sport."
In the eight months since it opened, the gym has welcomed dozens of young people through its doors to train and spar.
Gordon also teaches boxercise, a personal health and fitness technique, at Pickering Sports College in west Hull and it is through these sessions that some had their first taste of the sport.
"A boxing gym is not a playground, no-one is pushing them and they have got to want to come here, but by training they learn self discipline, respect for each other, and their fitness and confidence improve," he adds.
"Boxing is very much a thinking sport - you need focus, determination, speed, stamina, and good footwork, and you have to really work on your skills to beat an opponent.
"It can benefit young people in many ways.
The disciplined lifestyle it promotes can help to improve their school work, social skills, and keep them out of trouble."

info

To contact the boxing club call Gordon Haigh on 355612. For information on other boxing clubs in Hull, and for details of other sports clubs and associations in the city, call Stella Flynn on 300300.