After-school sessions in the ring prove a big hit

A Karratha boxing club has decided to hold free after-school boxing sessions on Monday afternoons at the Leisureplex.

Karratha Raiders trainer Shane McDonald has been boxing since he was 12 and said he wanted to do something for local youth.

"I want to show people boxing is a good sport. It's done a lot for me and I'm happy to do it for the kids around here, especially the ones who can't afford it," he said.

"A lot of kids are just floating … boxing gives you something to drive for."

The first session last week attracted about 40 young boxers, aged eight to 18.

McDonald said the sessions would focus on cardio and drills to pick up boxing techniques, designed to instil a sense of discipline and pride into participants.

He said there would be no one-on-one contact - this was reserved for serious club members at the Raiders' regular training sessions in the Karratha Light Industrial Area.

Youth classes run from 5.30pm to 6.15pm on Mondays.

Paid adult sessions are 6.15pm to 7.30pm on Mondays, and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm.

Visit http://www.karrathaboxingclub.com for more information.