The IABA is delighted to confirm that the High Five Boxing Academy, an inclusive boxing training programme for children with disabilities & additional needs, is open to new entrants.
The High Five Programme for children with disabilities and additional needs began in four Dublin boxing clubs: Drimnagh, Crumlin, St. Catherine’s and Palmerstown, in October 2021. The IABA extends its heartfelt thanks to the High Five Programme, its Chair, Paddy Dingle, Steering Committee, and participating clubs, boxers and parents, for paving the way for disability inclusive boxing training for children throughout Ireland and for their contribution to the development of a programme available to all boxing clubs.
In addition to four founder clubs, 8 clubs joined the High Five family in August.
The IABA has developed technical guidelines for clubs wishing to delivery inclusive boxing training for children with disabilities through the High Five Boxing Academy– these include information on buddies, volunteers and reporting. An information session on High Five, with founder Paddy Dingle and IABA Communications Officer, will take place through Zoom Thursday, January 5th at 7pm. You can watch back the first High Five information session here Clubs wishing to know more can express their interest here. Technical guidelines will be shared with participating clubs. Additional information sessions will be available, depending on demand.
The IABA will also fund, through a grant funding, Disability Inclusion Training to coaches in all clubs wishing to become part of the High Five family early in mid-January. This specific DIT session will be available only to High Five Academy clubs. In 2023, IABA will continue to provide DIT and Autism in Sport training to clubs and coaches. These training courses will be delivered by Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland and will take place via Zoom.
Clubs considering becoming part of the High Five Boxing Academy may wish to note the following requirements for clubs, coaches and boxers:
Clubs
Clubs in the High Five Boxing Academy must:
· Be affiliated to the IABA
· Ensure all boxers taking part in the High Five Programme are fully registered as club members
· Be a signatory to the Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland Sports Disability Inclusion Charter
· Be mindful of the Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland’s inclusion continuum
Coaches
Coaches coaching in the High Five Boxing Academy must:
· Be registered members of an affiliated club
· Have an IABA Level One qualification, or above
· Have a minimum of two years’ experience in coaching children and young people.
· Have current Garda/Access NI vetting
Have undergone child safeguarding training
· Have completed the Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland Disability Inclusion Training and have retained their certificate of completion.
Boxers
All boxers in the High Five Boxing Academy must:
· Be fully registered members of their club & included in Blocworx.
· Be aged between 5 years and 18 years