“Left hook, turn, back. Again.”

“Left hook turn, back … “

Twice a week in the Gold Creek Senior gym around 20 young women are drilled in how to land a sensational punch. At least that’s what it looks like.

“What we’re doing is building agility and strength, balance and coordination,” said Aaron Reid, coach with Boxing ACT.

“And engagement,” adds Eva Gasiewicz, the school’s youth worker. “I’ve seen girls come in here who were isolated and not doing as well as they could. The difference today is amazing.”

Boxing ACT approached Gold Creek School last year to set up a program at the school. It teaches basic footwork and moves, and is non contact.

Initially it was a mixed boys and girls program. But it was when Eva Gasiewicz suggested classes specifically for girls that the program really took off.

“When I first joined boxing, I didn’t think I’d like it at all because I’m not a strong person. I tried out one lesson and I just fell in love with it – I thought it was so much fun!” said Sienna Phillips–Spence, a year 8 student at Gold Creek School.

“I take my hat off to these girls, they’ve been coming for 12 months and they’ve excelled in it,” Eva said.

About half the students are referred to the program by Eva or the teaching staff as part of the school’s engagement program, with the other half drawn by a love of the sport.

Like Kudrat Kaur, who is open about the benefits of boxing beyond physical fitness.

“You know how you have boxed up things that you can’t explain, or you can’t talk about your emotions? It helps with getting that stuff out.”

Kudrat Kaur is now so keen on boxing, she plans to pursue the sport outside of school.

“I’m going to see how far I can take it,” she said.