Mid-Canterbury Boxing Academy — Billy Graham Youth Foundation

Introduction

Created as a strategic youth facility, the Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy, previously known as, ‘the gym’, was established in Melcombe Street in 2011. David Taylor saw the potential in a very large run down building that had the bones of what the Academy will operate from today. His vision was to assist local youth through boxing.

Since 2013, unforeseen connections with Billy Graham, a former New Zealand and Australasian light welterweight boxing champion and visionary of Naenae Boxing Academy, were made. The Billy Graham Youth Foundation agreed to support the Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy to create an academy based on the same principles of those of Naenae and Cannons Creek. Both of these successful Wellington based academy’s and their local communities are seeing huge changes in the lives of at risk youth with boxing being the vehicle. Cornelius Grobler, former NZ Welterweight Champion is the Head Coach of the Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy.

WHY MID CANTERBURY BOXING ACADEMY…

Our Objectives:
·   To significantly alter the lives of young people in Mid Canterbury by teaching them standards, discipline, and real life skills through quality programmes provided by the Trust
·   To help and support the educational, social and physical development of Mid Canterbury Youth
·   To provide support for Mid Canterbury youth who are socially disadvantaged and from dysfunctional families
·   To provide facilities and other appropriate assistance to Mid Canterbury youth
·   To develop some boxers to an international level
·   To support members’ families and to help the large number of solo mothers who need a positive male role model for their boys

When the boys first come to the programme, most of them either think they are tough or suffer from low self-esteem and many have learning disabilities.

The Academy aims to:
·   Turn young boys into healthy young men
·   Work on attitudes and self-control
·   Motivate each boy to personal excellence
·   Teach them to respect their family and those around them
·   Understand and care for their own bodies and increase fitness