A remarkable 12,345 school children have taken part in IABA Ulster Schools programmes this year.
StartBox is a non-contact programme designed to activate children in to sport, and boxing, and was delivered by IABA qualified coaches in 23 primary and secondary school settings* in 2025
This year, 8025 primary school children and 4,321 at second level took part in 6-week programmes in collaboration with their schools. 1,164 children took part in inclusive programmes tailored to their needs and goals
The Ulster Schools Programme is primarily delivered by Club Development Officer, double Olympic medalist Paddy Barnes, double Olympian and Community Coach Brendan Irvine, Community Coach Patrick Gallagher, Belfast Boxing Development Officer Liam Corr with support from local clubs and coaches.
Programmes like StartBox are vital in providing new avenues in to sport, physical literacy and to boxing and are not confined to school settings – In a linked StartBox programme, 150 women and girls were activated in to boxing as part of Ulster IABA’s Women’s Start Here Programme, funded by the Rank Foundation. 10 clubs** in Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down and Tyrone are delivering this training in a programme which began in October, and will conclude at the end of November. This programme follows on the heels of the Belfast Boxing Development project which delivered boxing training to 250 people over the age of 55, through an Irish Athletic Boxing Association programme funded by the Public Health Agency in partnership with Belfast City Council. 14 clubs took part in two programmes from July to October; the second was commissioned by Belfast City Council in response to the success of the first phase. Several participating clubs have now included these Over 55s training sessions in their permanent timetable.
ENDS.
*Participating Schools: Holy Evangelist PS; St Oliver Plunkett PS, St Marys Grammer, Scoil Na Fuiseoige, Boys’ Model, Belfast Model Girls, St Brides, Mitchell House, Victoria College, Glen Parent Youth Club, Shankill LC, Ballysillan LC, Templemore LC, Queens PEC, Grove LC, Ardoyne Holycross, Bloomfield College, St Gerards, Good Shepard PS, St Paul’s PS, Fane Street PS, Trinity College.
**Participating Clubs, Women’s Start Here Programme: Antrim Boxing Club, Antrim; Ardoyne Boxing Club, Antrim; Cairn Lodge Boxing Club, Antrim; Carrickfergus Boxing Club, Antrim; Castle Boxing Club, Antrim; Craigavon City Boxing Club, Armagh; Dungannon Boxing Club, Tyrone; Holy Trinity Boxing Club, Antrim; Oak Leaf Boxing Club, Derry; St. John Bosco Boxing Club, Newry Co. Down
***Participating Clubs, Over 55s Programme: Midland Boxing Club; Immaculata Boxing Club; Star Boxing Club; Cairnlodge Boxing Club; Ormeau Road Boxing Club; Holy Family Boxing Club; Ledley Hall Boxing Club; St Johns Bosco Boxing Club; Saints Boxing Club; Dockers Boxing Club; Ardoyne Boxing Club; St Michaels Boxing Club; St Pauls Boxing Club