Contender programme takes boxing to East London Mosques

A pilot programme backed by The Police Community Clubs combining non-contact boxing with education that addresses key social issues affecting young Muslims has been launched.

Based at the Al-Madina Mosque in east London, the programme was delivered by The National Police Community Trust with funding from the National Lottery.

Five young people from the Mosque were initially trained as Boxing Leaders and all went on to secure passes in the England Boxing Level 1 coaches’ course.

Each young person then delivered the Police Clubs’ Contender programme to a group of 25 young people from the local community.

These sessions were supported by an England Boxing coach, with the education modules delivered by partner agencies.

Evaluation of the pilot has provided some very encouraging results – and the National Police Community Trust are now planning a national roll out, with the boxing element delivered by The Police Community Clubs.

The programme has been welcomed and supported by the Police Clubs’ Patron, Martin Hewitt QPM, Chair of The National Police Chiefs’ Council.

“Policing our communities can only be successful in partnership with organisations that share our objectives and are producing quality interventions,” he said. “The Contender programme is a great example.”

The UK roll-out is to be supported by the National Association of Muslim Police.

To find out more about how the project could benefit your area please contact the Administration Office via  headquarters@policecommunityclubs.org or admin@policecommunityclubs.org