Club profile: University of York Boxing Club
The University of York's boxing club is one of the most welcoming of its kind for beginners, as well as accommodating more experienced fighters. Boxing is well renowned as a superb way to gain general fitness, and the boxing club makes that pursuit one of its main priorities. Like many other clubs on campus, it also runs charity events, such as its 12 hour non-stop run in March to raise funds for Sport Relief. We contacted Press and Publicity Officer Conor Cathcart, who was happy to reveal more about the club.
Briefly describe your club's main focus, goals and purpose.
The focus of the University of York’s Boxing Club is to highlight the assets and accessibility of our sport. Through this, we strive to get people of all abilities to join and get involved; we also believe that boxing is a sport for everyone, regardless of sex. One of our goals is the fitness of our members, to which we dedicate a lot of time… and sweat.
How would people go about getting involved?
It is so simple to get involved; all people need to do is find us in the sport’s tent during the fresher’s fair. If they miss us there, all they need to do is email us for details at boxing@yusu.org. Absolutely anyone is welcome to come along to one of our sessions in the dance studio of the University’s gym.
What skill levels do you cater for?
We aim to cater for the skill levels of everyone; our initial sessions are actually incredibly focused on teaching individuals who have no history with the sport. After them, we train in groups according to their unique skill level.
When do you train and compete?
We train Tuesdays, 7.30 – 10.00 and Thursdays, 5 – 6. Currently we are arranging weekend training slots which will be finalised by the beginning of term. Competition times will revolve around these times too once they are finalised.
When do you go on socials?
We have a social every fortnight, usually on a Wednesday night because the other York Sport clubs are on socials too and a good night is guaranteed. Other club socials would involve casual outings or gatherings to watch certain big matches.
What are your hopes for the coming year?
Since we are a relatively new club, the coming year shall be an important year for the our club as we are increasing our interactions with the City of York’s Boxing Club. Through this we'll be bringing dedicated members to join for extra training or even competitions, to try and open routes into the sport for the ambitious. Our club is also trying to establish connections with neighbouring universities for prospective competitions or training sessions.
What has been your club's proudest moment?
Last year we got together and ran a 12 hour run for Sport’s Relief; between us we ran 191.6km (119.75 miles) which equates to 4.57 marathons. For doing this, we raised over £300. It was a fantastic experience and we will be trying to break that this year!
Why do you think freshers should join?
If they enjoy boxing then they’ll fit right in. But even if their interest lies in fitness, (even just to work off that little extra weight fresher’s week will bless them with) our club’s fitness regime is renowned for its intensity and believe me, it works.
