Boxing Society proposed for UAL

by Gabriel Collyer

Boxing could be the latest sport to have its own society at the University of the Arts London.

With its growing popularity, one of the student behind the proposed society, Jordan Doherty believes it is time the sport was represented at UAL, with a number of students having already stated their interest in taking an active role.

The proposed society offers not just a way to get fit, but also the opportunity to train at a more advanced level and possibly take part in amateur bouts.

Doherty is keen to stress the society is not just for boys or fans of the film Rocky, “The whole of the country are on a health kick this year due to the London Olympics and boxing is becoming increasingly popular with the general public as a means of fitness training.

"There has been both male and female interest, some wish to take the sport seriously, others are just looking for a fun way to work out.”

Early stages

The Boxing Society will aim to provide a safe and encouraging environment for students to train, and what better way to vent the frustrations of looming assignment deadlines with 10 minutes spent alongside a punch bag.

If the UAL Student Union approves the society and provides the funding, local boxing gyms will then be approached to host the training sessions.

As the project is still in its early stages, it is not yet clear what the costs will be, but as with any of the university’s societies, membership fees will be kept as low as possible.

“As students we are all on a tight budget and have loans to pay, we want this to be a fun and easily affordable way for students to pursue their interest in the sport.”

There are some highly talented and successful societies in sporting disciplines such as cheerleading, football, hockey and volleyball.

Doherty thinks Boxing would be a fantastic addition to an already diverse network of sports and societies enjoyed by the students of UAL.