University helps young boxers get into the right mind set

Members of Grimsby Boxing Academy have high hopes of further improving their boxing success after learning some techniques to develop their mental skills and mind set at York St John University this week.

The boxers, aged between 12 and 21, visited York St John to attend workshops run by the University and its in-house Sport and Fitness department, YSJActive.

John Gray, senior lecturer in sport & physical activity, said: “The workshops focussed on goal setting and internal dialogues that can help competitors realise that they are their main opponent in relation to negative self-talk and doubt. By overcoming negative psychological aspects of fighting, the competitors will hopefully see huge improvements in their performance.”

The group has already achieved some impressive accolades including Senior Multi Nations Goldengirl Champion, Kirsty Hill, Notts & Lincs area Lightweight Champion and current belt holder Daniel Welling, National Schools Female Champion & 54kg Multi Nations Goldengirl Champion, Millicent Hansen and Notts & Lincs Lightweight Champion, Daniel Machin.

Ex-pro boxer Andy Cox, now National Level and head academy coach added: “Sport has evolved a great deal since my initial involvement, different aspects of performance are being analysed but psychology seems to be the one sometimes left behind. I believe that a happy and confident athlete offers much more in terms of application which effectively leads to a greater chance of success. The opportunity that York St John University has given to our aspiring champions is fantastic and could play a key part to our future success.