Students gain confidence through boxing sessions

When lecturer Emily Tostevin asked the youngsters what they wanted to learn, one of the most popular requests was better fitness and self–defence.

She contacted the Sports Commission, which funded five sessions for the students.

‘The visible difference to students’ confidence has been phenomenal.

‘A couple of students were school refusers, so to see them come here and actually get involved is amazing,’ said Miss Tostevin.

Student Emma Galsworthy said the sessions had numerous benefits.

‘It’s helped my physical and mental strength and I’ve absolutely loved the sessions,’ she said.

Sports Commission boxing development officer Amanda Hobart said that she saw a transformation within the students.

‘It’s the first time I’ve worked with the group from The Guernsey Institute and I’ve seen a massive growth in confidence,’ she said.

‘They came with no boxing or contact experience and now I see discipline, and they trust each other.

‘They’ve developed understanding and boundaries of each other.’

She said that she had offered the students additional sessions over the quieter summer holiday period.

Student Ella de Garis said the sessions were good for doing exercise and learning to defend.

‘I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I would need to convince my brother, who’s here as well, to keep doing it,’ she said.