Archie joined the club six months ago and says he's more disciplined now.
- author, Jonty O'Donnell
- role, Reporter, BBC Radio Shropshire
The boy, who was expelled from school at the age of five for being “uncontrollable,” turned to boxing to improve his concentration.
Archie, 14, has autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which makes it difficult for him to sit still and concentrate.
His mother Lucy Hughes said his training at the Fort Boxing Club in Whitchurch, Shropshire, had kept him “calm and disciplined”.
The club opened last August and has over 100 members.
Daniel Bailey says more than 100 people have become members of the club since it opened last year.
“It changed the way I looked at my career and helped me with my autism and ADHD,” Archie told BBC Radio Shropshire.
“I don't have many friends at school because I'm hyperactive, but I feel welcomed and wanted here.
“When you hit the bag, hormones are released and you become more focused.”
His mother said he was a completely different child than the one who first walked through the door.
Although she was recently diagnosed with epilepsy, she said her son's newfound discipline helps him stay cool, calm and collected during seizures.
“He was expelled from regular school when he was five years old because he was uncontrollable, couldn't sit still and couldn't communicate with anyone,” she said. Told.
“He's changed since he's been here and it's shaped him into who he is as a young man.
“He was really great, especially when it came to diagnosing my epilepsy. Cool, calm and level-headed.”
Boxing gym based in Whitchurch, Shropshire
Head coach and club owner Daniel Bailey said: “It's not all about competition. We use boxing as therapy.”
He said even people who may be struggling mentally can go to a club just to hit the bags, let off the stress of the day and feel part of the family.
