SCHOOLCHILDREN will be boxing clever next term, as an international lightweight champion is to expand his successful programme.
Tommy Coyle says he is determined to inspire schoolchildren across East Yorkshire to succeed in their studies after securing funding to expand his Box Clever scheme over the next year.
The WBC and IBF International champion began the programme last year and has been inspiring children facing tough times in their lives with the support of Hull Children's University.
Now, with a new 12-month sponsorship deal with Neil Hudgell Solicitors to buy equipment and kits, the boxer can continue to offer the popular course to schools across the region.
He is determined to make his sports star status count by inspiring those that look up to him.
He said: "I recognise that, as a sports star, many young people will listen and take notice of what I tell them. I looked up to local sports stars as a kid.
"I truly believe that, given the fortunate position I am in, I need to give something back and, if I can help steer a few young people away from trouble and to commit to their schooling to succeed in life, it will mean a great deal to me."
Coyle has already enjoyed success with his programme last year and has also worked with pupils from Cottingham High School.
Alex Kirk, community partnership manager at the school, said: "When we made this course available to students, we were inundated with requests from the pupils, so much so that we identified 20 for the first course and are now looking at another three courses.
"Many of the pupils are in danger of falling out of education and perhaps going down the wrong path, but they listen to Tommy more than they will do a teacher. They connect with him as his life could have turned out very different, and he makes that clear."
Coyle maintains high levels of discipline throughout the programme, instilling a message that only dedication and commitment brings rewards in life.
Students learn through boxing exercises and drills around footwork and movement and only get to step in the ring and throw a punch at the week's finale, when they face Tommy himself.
"If they take it seriously and show a willingness to learn, they get a chance to throw some punches at me in a ring, with a guarantee I won't hit them back," said Tommy.
"Who wouldn't want to do that?
"I've made the overall message of the course very clear. Dedication and passion can bring you the rewards in life. It's not all about talent and ability, but if you are determined, do the best you can and are prepared to make sacrifices, you can achieve great things.
"I regret not having done well at school, and I've had to use my fists to make a living because I don't have the qualifications to fall back on. I don't have options, they do."
Coyle, who is soon to open a new training academy for young people in Bean Street, west Hull, is grateful of the support of Neil Hudgell Solicitors, which has pledged £12,000 to fund equipment and training packs for pupils, which they each keep after the course, along with certificates and trophies.
Hudgell: Tommy is a great exampleNeil Hudgell said: "We are delighted to support Tommy on this project as he is completely committed to making a difference and inspiring young people to have the desire to achieve.
"Tommy is a great example of what can be achieved through desire, passion and determination.
"Box Clever has already proved a success and just needed some extra financial support to push it to the next level. "We have been delighted to help him and look forward to seeing him continue to be an inspiration to young people in schools across the region."
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
•Latest education news for Hull and the East Riding
