Braid expectations for local boxing club

Training has been underway at the club for the past three weeks and sessions are already full with potential competitors.

"I don't remember starting off a season with such high expectations such is the wealth of young talent at the club at present," says head coach John McLeister.

"The entire team of boxers are back from a short summer break more enthusiastic than ever hoping to capitalise on last season's successes.

"The club has also been full to capacity with new talent such is the interest in the club at the moment and with boxing in general.

"We have had new kids joining us from the end of last season and from what I have seen, some of these new kids will without doubt make a massive impact throughout this season.

"We have new recruits that will be competing in the up and coming Ulster novice championships at various age groups. The boys have been training with us for the past few seasons and are looking forward to be competing for the first time.

"We will have all our new talent on display at the up and coming novices but only view this as an introduction to the competitive arena and anticipate that all our new crop of boxers will compete in all the open class of championships as well - they are that good".

First to represent Braid will be 11-year-olds Ricky Moore, Pat McDonagh and Christopher Hagan who joined the club's mini boxers sessions.

It is hoped that they will be joined later in the season by two more hopefuls who have recently entered the sport, Kyle Richmond, Troy Carley who have shown real potential in training.

John says: "Our highly successful mini boxing sessions once again continue to churn out rising stars. These are young kids aged between 8-11 who train at the club each week. Here we teach them boxing fundamentals and help develop their motor skills and hand and foot co-ordination.

"From here we endeavour to teach them the art of boxing and it is this that prepares our young boxers for semi contact sparring sessions and progress them unto the more senior sessions along with the 'big boys'.

"We have retained all of last season's team who have come back more refreshed and determined than ever. Our junior boxing team is flourishing at present and are among the top junior boxers in Ulster.

"At Braid we pride ourselves that we have retained our team and this has led to a real good team spirit within the club that gives young lads that sense of belonging and can help not only build friendships but can help individual development".

These next few months will be a busy period for the boys as the championships commence and continue until Christmas. "We will be entering boxers at all levels within the sport including intermediate and senior level. But it is excellent to see the club thriving and to see young boys develop into successful sport stars," adds John.