“Sport Roehampton gave me access to my saving grace.”

By Megan Borrett

When & where: 

Monday & Thursday: Minstead Gardens, London SW15 4EB

Tuesday: Monte Hall, Froebel Campus (Bop)

Time: 18:30-20:00

Price: Included with the play membership, or £4 per session

Summer of 2016, just before I started at the University of Roehampton, I heard that boxing was great to combat health problems. Unfortunately, every club in my area had closed down that year. I started uni a week after having two operations relating to a chronic pain condition, while also suffering heavily from panic disorder. I couldn’t attend any lectures for my whole first term. I was finding it hard to function in day-to-day life. At the Freshers’ Fair, I had gone over to the boxing stall and shown a keen interest to sign up, especially when I was reassured that I would never have to fight. This was constantly in the back of my mind, but I didn’t attend until December due to my unstable situation. I first went to the training at Froebel, and had the most intense and rewarding session I had ever experienced in sport. Karen, one of the coaches, was so supportive and motivating, with a genuine interest about the performance of each person. I left saying that I wanted to fight and immediately got the ‘boxing bug’. The final week of term followed, and I had made it into one of my lectures with minimal stress. This was a big achievement.

The Christmas period came and went, and I was then diagnosed with further difficulties, including ADHD and dyspraxia. My life was getting more and more complicated. I then started boxing three times a week, with the addition of the Dara Club next to Mount Clare, equipped with a ring, punching bags, and more coaches. From the first week of the second term, I went from attending no lectures, to every lecture on my course, and I even began focusing and concentrating during them. Karen had disciplined my concentration through boxing by being aware of my difficulties before I even was. My muscles got stronger, as did my co-ordination. I was on cloud nine and have been ever since. I notice the difference when not going, and have in a way become addicted to boxing and the results I get from going. I finished my first year with great grades and am doing well in second year while preparing for my first fight. The social aspect is also great, as the community provides a connected home away from home, which is something that is perfect when living away for the first time. The strong network of motivation is rewarding and the strong girl power drive is refreshing. The club was started by Karen because she was kicked out of a club when she was younger for being a girl. In this day and age, girls are still discriminated against in  boxing clubs, but our club does the opposite. Thanks to Karen, both sexes get treated equally.

If you want to get and stay fit and healthy but can’t motivate yourself at the gym, are suffering from mental or physical illness, or are looking to become part of a friendly and supportive community of all ages and backgrounds, come visit us and make the change for happiness and health today!