Young Rocky's Summer Club

Young Rocky's Summer Club members with WBA world lightweight champion Anthony Crolla

Hamer Amateur Boxing Club and Community Fitness Centre provided free sessions for young people aged between five to 10 who where taught basic skills,including stance, fookwork, balance, punching technique and defence.

They also touched on a physical training programme which involved skipping, sit-ups, floor exercise, bag-work, shadow boxing and circuit training, whilst also learning about team work, stretches, discipline, fitness, weight control and a healthy lifestyle.

All who attended received a certificate and an opportunity to meet the WBA world lightweight champion Anthony Crolla, who gave each attendee a chance to get a photo taken alongside him with his world title belt, and they also received a signed picture of the champion.

Head coach Steven Connellan said: “Anthony is a great friend of the club and although he is in intense training for his up and coming unification fight against the WBC Diamond champion Jorge Linares on 24 September, he still managed to offer his time so that he could visit our club.

"We offer these free summer sessions every year and each time it amazes me to see how well they enjoy it.

“It is the holiday season yet we managed to get over twenty youngsters to attend, which shows these free lessons are working. They had a great time learning new skills whilst also getting a chance to meet a world champion.”

Find out more about Hamer Amateur Boxing Club and Community Fitness Centre at:

• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/hamer-amateur-boxing-club