Boxing fans in Elsburg and surrounding areas will be thrilled to know that a new boxing academy is now open.<\/p>\n
The Elsburg Boxing Academy is just over a month old and already has 40 members.<\/p>
\u201cThere is a lot of boxing demand in the area, which is one of the main reasons I decided to start this academy, besides my love for the sport,\u201d said the academy\u2019s founder and main coach, Danie Putter.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have 25 years of amateur boxing experience and will share it with all the members.\u201d<\/p>
Putter told the GCN the birth of the academy came about when he and his family moved to Elsburg.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy family and I moved to Elsburg, from Alberton, in November last year, and for some time my family and friends have been advising me to teach boxing,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne Saturday morning, a few weeks after moving, I woke up to find a group of children and parents waiting outside my house.<\/p>\n
\u201cOut of curiosity, I went outside to find out what was happening, only to be told that they want to box.\u201d<\/p>\n
Putter also said he wants to focus on teaching before entering the members into tournaments and competitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeaching boxing and developing skills is what I want to focus on at the moment, which is also the reason I chose the name \u2018academy\u2019 and not \u2018club\u2019, as above all, our primary focus is development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the start of an amateur boxing career that can lead to the professional level, and already there has been great talent spotted among the members.<\/p>\n
\u201cI work with Gert Watson, Michael Stolz and Hansie Schoeman, helping me coach the youngsters.\u201d<\/p>\n
The local coach, who is also the chairman of the Alberton Madalas Rugby Club, said that children as young as four are welcome at the academy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe starting age is four for children, and for adults there is no limit, if you feel you want to learn the sport or advance in boxing you are welcome to join,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if you just want to learn basic self-defence or keep fit, our doors are open.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe club is registered with the Ekurhuleni Boxing Organisation (EBO).<\/p>\n
\u201cWe train in the Laerskool Elsburg hall every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm, and I thank the school for granting us access to their premises.\u201d<\/p>\n
The academy, however, has a lack of sufficient equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are in need of sponsorship because at the moment we only have three boxing bags, ten skipping ropes and five pairs of gloves,\u201d Putter explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe equipment available comes from my years of boxing, and they are not in top form as they are old.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf any business or individual is willing to donate or sponsor the academy, we would greatly appreciate it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe could have their branding on some of the equipment like the gloves.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need a ring, if anybody can donate or help us obtain one, it would help to give the members proper experience of fighting and training in the ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite the challenges, I can say we are going to make champions.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information, contact Putter on 084 502 4477.<\/p>\n
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