Manx ABC’s boxing season may be incredibly quiet as far as competitive action is concerned, but it’s been a busy time at the Academy gym in Douglas of late.

The club has enjoyed record numbers in recent years, with more than 30 new members under the age of 12 signed up.

Manx ABC recently signed up to the Great Britain boxing award scheme which has been a huge success throughout the UK. British Boxing Association (BBA) is a body mandated to develop and prepare the very best GB boxers to compete at the highest level.

The GB National Boxing Awards’ primary purpose is to provide a positive educational experience by introducing people of all age, sex and ability to fundamental skills of the sport.

The benefits for the individual are immense: fitness, healthy lifestyle, weight control, self-defence and an increase in confidence and self-esteem, and should be the first step for anyone wishing to compete as a boxer.

The awards scheme is a great way to introduce future champions and internationals into the sport and was open to all new members from the age of five years old and upwards.

After eight weeks of training drills and boxing education, 20 young hopeful Manx ABC boxers - 15 under the age of 12 - completed the first of a possible six awards, the preliminary accolade.

It was a full house at Academy gym as parents and relatives were treated to an impressive display of skill and technique as the young stars of the future were assessed by Isle of Man Boxing head of performance and England talent development coach Peter Roberts.

All the students passed with flying colours, with many well on their way to their next award.

The club will be running more of the award scheme soon.

The preliminary award is a great introduction to the fundamental basics of boxing and there are no age restrictions.

Anyone who is interested in signing up to the scheme please feel free to contact the club via its website www.manxabc.com or Facebook page ’Isle of Man Boxing and Fitness Academy’.