The Pat Benson Boxing Academy is more than just a boxing club. The Community Sports Foundation is our charitable arm, increasing social and community inclusion. Our community and education projects enable people to achieve in life through the power of sport, by improving their physical and mental wellbeing. They have a positive social impact, utilising the power of sport for positive change. You can read more about each project below.
In just one year:
- 1203 people we worked with reported feeling less lonely and isolated
- 353 people reported feeling fitter and healthier
- 151 young people with additional needs reported that they have been better supported in their learning
- between 150 and 200 young people are now less likely to affiliate to a gang
Community and education projects
Mind Fit
Designed to improve people’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, Mind Fit offers structured boxing fitness sessions supported by a social group and regular “Healthy Minds” workshops.
Volunteering
The Volunteering programme offering anyone who has experienced poor mental health the opportunity to work as a volunteer with sporting events: from local club fixtures to the Commonwealth Games.
Youth development
The Youth programme, funded by BBC Children in Need, is for young people up to the age of 18. It focuses on personal development whilst addressing physical and mental wellbeing.
The Birmingham Way
This series of community activity sessions for newly arrived and refugee populations in Birmingham is helping people to build support networks and create more integrated communities.
Disability programme
This programme for people with physical disabilities will run throughout 2020, led by staff and volunteers who have undergone relevant training with International Mixed Ability of Sport.
University and college boxing
We work with students and university sports and fitness departments to run university boxing clubs, offering top quality coaching and support at every level - from beginners' fitness training and stress management to competitive squad level.
School Holiday Intervention Camp
The PBBA Summer Camp is a four-week programme, created to give 9 to 19 year olds something positive to do over the summer holidays. Its aim is to reduce anti-social and criminal behaviour over the summer.
Women’s Support Group
These physical fitness sessions, for women only, were aimed at empowering the participants to become more independent, healthier and more confident.
Fighting for our Heritage
Fighting For Our Heritage explored the characters and establishments in Birmingham that played a pivotal role in the development of boxing in the city. A team of young volunteer researchers uncovered the rich history and heritage hidden in the city's communities.
Strength room investment
A welcome investment has enabled us to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for our weights and strength area.
Victims of crime
This project, created after consultations with club members and school project participants, supported young victims of crime to better cope and recover from their experiences.
Extremism project
This innovative project delivered mentoring sessions and workshops to reduce the likelihood of vulnerable people experiencing and developing extremist views.