An independent girls’ school in Brighton has introduced shadow boxing lessons for young pupils in a bid to boost female involvement in sport.
Brighton Girls Prep called in local gym TheBox to offer the sessions after learning about the mental and physical benefits of the discipline.
Current studies show that nationally just 14% of girls aged between five and 16 achieve recommended levels of physical activity, dropping to 10% of girls aged 13-16.
Prep school headmistress Laura Comerford talked about the benefits of boxing: “It’s a great discipline to offer the pupils as there’s so much to gain from it. You have to use so much of your brain to move all the body parts in the combinations necessary and that really stimulates the mind. On top of that, it is a fun and social opportunity which the girls absolutely love.
“This is a sport that has appeal to a lot of girls who may not be too excited by hockey, netball or dance. It’s something different and a way of getting girls who may not be interested in traditional games into sport and fitness.”
TheBox owner Lucy Pinto added: “All parts of the brain are fired up when we box – footwork, coordination and speed take a lot of discipline to master. Studies show that physical activity activates the brain, improves cognitive function, and is correlated with improved academic performance.
“On top of that, it is an incredibly positive sport for everyone, especially young girls. As a former ballet dancer with body confidence issues, I started boxing at 14 and realised that this was a sport where no one was judging you on your weight and your looks – it was just about pure fitness, enjoying the process and improving yourself. That’s a strong message to send to young girls.”
Brighton Girls also launched a skateboarding scholarship earlier this year and now offers skateboarding classes to all pupils.
Read more: Why mental health is topping the podium in school sport
