Boxing Clever

Woodside High School

White Hart Lane, Wood Green,
London, N22 5QJ.

Michael has been working in Woodside high school for five years on a part time capacity delivering a boxing programme called "boxing clever" which is mentoring using the boxing discipline to help individual young pupils address individual needs.

This is aimed at target students who are being disruptive in lessons, low self esteem, anger management, short concentration span, lacking listening skills, basically students who are at risk.

Hopefully , these skills adhere to the individual needs of the pupils. This will encourage and empower young people to dream and be able to fulfill or achieve their dreams. Also to raise his or her attainment level, this gives them options in whatever they choose to do in their lives.

Some students have benefited from the programme because, as it's an individual gain, which cannot be qualified. I believe this programme should be continued.

Michael has been a very integral member of the pastoral team at Woodside High School and has always conducted himself professionally with both staff and students alike.

Delroy Rhoden
Lead Mentor

 Highbury Grove School

8 Highbury Grove,
London, N5 2EQ.

Michael Kennedy has been delivering the Boxing Clever programme for the past eight years. I know Michael to be self motivated, inspiring and committed to making a difference in young people's lives.

           READ THE BOYS/GIRLS TESTIMONIALS

The Boxing Clever programme has been successfully embedded into the fabric of the School's Enrichment Programme during these last eight years. Students have benefited immensely from Micheal's expertise, mentoring and knowledge. In turn, students' participation has been solid with an average attendance between 15-25 students per week.

The Boxing Clever initiative as a pilot into HIghbury Grove School in 2002 and the programme was divided into two parts;

• Students learned how to control aggression and discipline through   boxing
• Students were then mentored regarding the types of situations in which certain actions may be appropriate.

I believe that the Boxing Clever Programme has helped to support young people to develop elements of their social skills and awareness, such as self confidence, self esteem and self belief.

These are fundamental skills that are transferable in and out of the classroom and are important tools for today's rapidly changing society.

Ms Christine Amede MA
Director Out of School Hours Learning / Community Manager

  Northumberland Park School

Jenny Bailey
Neighborhood learning Manager
Northumberland Park Community School

I have known Michael since 2007 when he first introduced me to the Boxing Clever Programme.  Since then he has delivered 5 “who am I” programmes for my school.
The students are either referred through their Achievement Co-coordinator or they can self-refer.  The programme helps them to deal with their anger and communicate in positive ways.
The programme is split into two; firstly the students learn a range of non-contact boxing techniques and circuits then they have a focus group where they discuss a range of different issues including mental health, nutrition, attitude, the body etc and current affairs.  Michael also mentors them focusing on issues which the students wish to improve including behavior, attitude to school/home and relationships.

I believe that the programme helps the young people improve their self-esteem and self belief; this is partly due to the enthusiasm, knowledge and motivation which Michael dedicates to the programme.  He is more than a role model for young people; but an ambassador for social change.

I know that the boxing clever programme will continue to be  a widely respected and highly  regarded part of our support for young people is this school and the local community.