A boxing academy to transform boys into role models will be set up in Flaxmere but only if families of the young candidates buy into the concept.
The initiative is being headed by the Flaxmere U-Turn Trust and spokesman Henare O'Keefe said it would have strict entrance criteria: "No drugs,no patches. We want to raise the bar, teach our rangatahi to aim higher and help these young men achieve."
The Flaxmere Boxing Academy will challenge young people to take responsibility, discipline and encourage them to be champions inside the ring as well as in the community.
"We are asking their families to be part of it," Mr O'Keefe said. "That's important because we're not going to be a babysitting service or a dumping ground for kids, so we are expecting parents to be there with us every step of the way."
Mr O'Keefe was inspired after visiting former NZ boxer Billy Graham who set up the Naenae Boxing Academy for boys in 2005.
"I spent the day with Billy and had a look at what he's achieved with his academy, pinched a few ideas and now want to apply them to Flaxmere," Mr O'Keefe said.
A chance meeting with a former NZ light heavyweight boxing champion recently added to the incentive to set up the academy.
"I bumped into Craig McDougall, who's a firefighter at Hastings and also a former boxing champion," Mr O'Keefe said.
"I just thought it would be a good idea to use his experience and expertise here in Flaxmere."
There would be two groups of 20 boys accepted into the academy. They would have to earn their uniforms first and it would be maybe 12 months before they would allowed to step into the ring, Mr O'Keefe said.
The recruits would be allowed to box at competitions if they showed a level of experience and credibility expected by Mr O'Keefe and Mr McDougall.
"We have got all of the gear ready but now we just need a venue," Mr O'Keefe said. "We're looking for a shed or warehouse big enough to run a full-time boxing academy."
