Boxing tournament celebrates children with SEND

Amy's 11-year-old son Jovan took part in the boxing tournament on Saturday

A boxing tournament which celebrates children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has taken place in Dudley.

The event, organised by BoxClever Mentoring, was held at Parkes Halls Social Club on Saturday.

A group of children and young people with conditions including autism, ADHD and cerebral palsy took part in the competition following months of after-school boxing sessions.

Amy, whose 11-year-old son Jovan was one of the children involved, said there had been a huge change in him since he began the sport.

Craig Jones, BoxClever Mentoring founder, said the sessions had boosted children's confidence

"It's really emotional to see him with his friends now because in the past he was very introverted and wouldn't mix with people," she said.

Jovan, from Oldbury, has autism and global development delay and was non-verbal until the age of seven.

Amy said boxing had helped her son to improve his communication skills and self-confidence.

"He is more willing to try new things and go to different places," she said.

"This is the biggest competition he has ever taken part in. He's never even got up in front of a crowd before."

The tournament was organised in collaboration with the West Midlands My Tomorrow campaign, which is funded by the region's Violence Reduction Partnership.

Professional boxers including European champion Kirstie Bavington, from Wolverhampton, joined the young boxers in the ring before handing out trophies.

Nine-year-old Max, who was diagnosed as autistic, has been attending boxing sessions since January.

Mum Sarah said her son had "really struggled to stick at anything", but boxing was different.

"I think it's just been a way for him to let that frustration out and none of them have to worry about putting on a front, they can just all be themselves because they are all the same," she said.

Craig Jones, founder and director of BoxClever Mentoring, which uses the sport to engage disadvantaged children, said he wanted children involved to feel strong and empowered.

"The benefits have been amazing to see, but it's even better when a parent tells you about the changes at home, or a teacher comes up to you and says they are doing so much better in school," he said.

"That means a lot."