Council Supports Sustainable Boxing Initiative for Young People Across Merthyr Tydfil

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is proud to support a new partnership project helping children and young people across the borough access the benefits of boxing through schools, youth services and community provisions.

Delivered in collaboration with Community Focused Schools (CFS) and Welsh Boxing, the initiative aims to introduce young people to boxing in a safe and inclusive environment while building a sustainable pathway for participation within local communities.

As part of the programme, Welsh Boxing appointed community activators to help drive grassroots engagement across Wales. Through its strong local partnerships, Community Focused Schools helped connect the programme with schools, youth organisations and community groups across Merthyr Tydfil, enabling a series of free boxing taster sessions to be delivered for pupils and youth groups throughout the borough.

These sessions have already reached a wide range of young people, offering them the opportunity to try boxing while promoting confidence, physical activity and positive wellbeing.

To ensure the project continues to grow and benefit young people in the long term, Community Focused Schools has also funded training opportunities for staff from schools and community provisions across Merthyr Tydfil. On 6 March 2026, staff from eight different provisions attended Hooked Leaders Award training at Penydarren Park Football Club, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to safely deliver boxing-based activities within their own settings.

As part of this investment, each participating provision will receive a boxing equipment kit bag containing pads, gloves and supporting resources, enabling them to deliver sessions independently following the training.

To strengthen the sustainability of the programme, participating organisations will sign a Service Level Agreement (SLA) committing to use the equipment and training to enhance opportunities for young people during the school day and beyond.

Looking ahead, Community Focused Schools will also utilise upcoming Welsh Government Enrichment funding to support schools and youth provisions that wish to expand their offer. This may include supporting staff who have completed the Hooked Leaders training to run new after-school boxing clubs, helping more young people access regular sporting opportunities.

The programme will also help identify young people who may wish to progress further in the sport, with schools encouraged to work alongside local partners to signpost interested pupils to community boxing clubs.

Geraint Thomas, Welsh Boxing Community Activator (South Central and Gwent Areas) commented:

“This is a great example of collaboration in action leading to positive impacts across communities. Following our initial work across a number of Merthyr communities, we’re delighted that CFS have recognised the impact the Hooked programme can bring, and we hope to support them and the wider council in its delivery. Merthyr are one of the first to adopt ‘Hooked’ following its pilot, and such a multi-partner approach will hopefully reach a large number that will enjoy the benefits of this activity”.

Through this initiative, the Council and its partners remain committed to supporting the wellbeing, development and aspirations of young people across Merthyr Tydfil.