PURPLE POWER ... the boxing fitness sessions teaching valuable lessons to kids in and out of the ring

Purple Gloves Boxfit offers non-contact fitness sessions for children aged ten to 16 at Thrybergh Church Hall using boxing equipment and training.

The Sunday morning and Tuesday evening get-togethers see the Thrybergh Parish Hall — usually used for bingo sessions, art classes and family parties — transformed into a boxing gym with punch bags, training mats and even a mini ring funded by grant funding form Thrybergh Parish Council.

A terrific boredom beater, Purple Gloves teaches the youngsters life lessons as well as how to throw a punch. 

Coach Karl Endicott said: “To be honest there wasn’t really anything for kids (in Thrybergh) before I started.

“I started it a year before the pandemic kicked in and it was probably one of the best things that was about for kids.

“I boxed as an amateur and wanted to share my experience with others, not just the boxing side, but the self-confidence and positive attitude it gives you.

“Boredom leads to crime. Kids can get in the wrong crowd when they’ve nothing to do and become involved with unsocial behaviour.

“I like to think I am benefitting the community 100 per cent.”

Purple Gloves has had a great reception on its re-opening.

Karl added: “After being closed for so long it’s been great to see so many of our young people returning and getting back into training. It is non-contact and pitched to the individual fitness and ability of each child and is all done in a fun way.

“Some of the littler ones get upset when it’s finishing time. They all come back every week. They love it and if a few of them want to take it further at a more advanced boxing club then I am happy for them to do that.”

Parish council chairman Cllr Glen Trickett said: “As a parish council we were more than happy to support Purple Gloves to provide a much needed facility for children in our village.  Our grant system is there to assist any group or organisation that can improve the health and wellbeing of our village, especially our children as the box fit classes do.”

Sessions are held Sundays 10am to 11.30am and Tuesdays 7pm to 8pm and cost just £2.50 per session.  

Further details can be got by calling coach Karl Endicott on 07713 770544 or searching Purple Glove box fit class on Facebook.