17 April 2008

I was delighted to read about support for boxing in the Evening Post - and fantastic news that Avonmouth's National Smelting Boxing Club have finally been given the go-ahead to expand their boxing gym. I have supported the club's coach, Garry Cave, in his bid for funds and know just how much hard work he and his team have put in to provide more sporting opportunities for our local youngsters. Whenever I have visited the gym, it has been absolutely packed. And I have always been struck by how polite, dedicated and disciplined the young boxers are.

I am an ex-boxer myself ( I used to train with our very own Jane Couch!). I know first hand just how important boxing is in giving young people a chance to let of steam in a secure, disciplined environment - particularly our boys who are falling behind girls at school, playing truant and being expelled or suspended at an alarming rate.

Our young people risk being suffocated by a health-and-safety cotton-wool culture. But the results of bottling up young people's energy and natural aggression are disastrous - just ask anyone living on a street plagued by bored kids, and sometimes violent anti-social behaviour. I know that young men ( and women!) who take up boxing build self esteem, get fit, learn discipline and respect, so do better at school and no longer feel they have to prove themselves by picking a fight- but can walk away.

These days, I enjoy training at Southmead boxing club, under the expert supervision of the coach, Lee Cummings. Areas like Southmead really need a boxing club like Lee's - and they've got some talented boxers in the making, as I saw when two of them competed in a big contest last night. I'm working with local clubs to make boxing more available to more young people. Not only is it a great way to get fit and let off steam, it's also one of the best ways to tackle youth crime. No wonder the Police support it. So a simple message to the National Smelting and Southmead Boxing Club - well done, and let's keep up the good work!

Yours sincerely,

Charlotte Leslie
Prospective Conservative MP, Bristol North West
email: charlotte@charlotteleslie.com

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