Restoration Ministries, a Christian-based organization located in Harvey, opened The Harvey Boxing Club in 2002, giving local youth a safe space to be after school and allowing them to train in their gym.
According to one of the boxing club’s head coaches, David Fuller, sessions are determined by the children’s age. There are two sessions in total throughout the week, the only exception being Friday, which has only one hour-long session.
“The first session is from 4-6 p.m., and contains children from ages eight to 12. The second session is from 6-8 p.m., and contains children from the age of 13 to 18,” Fuller said.
While there is a monthly fee to attend the gym, there are supplies in the gym that students can use for free, such as jump ropes, boxing gloves ranging from 12 oz to 16 oz, water and various machines. Some of the equipment in the gym comes with a price, though, like hand wraps to protect your knuckles and mouth guards if students want to spar.
“The first month is a $30 registration fee, then after that it’s $20 going forward. The $30 includes hand wraps and a mouth guard,” Fuller said.
There are some expectations, mostly revolving around your attitude and energy, that must be met as you are working in the gym.
“You have to be a great listener. In my personal opinion, if you aren’t a great listener or at least a decent listener, you can’t go anywhere in life. And you need dedication, which also ties into being a hardworking individual,” Fuller stated.
Currently three HF students go to these sessions.
Akeem Epps, a freshman at HF who has been attending these sessions for over two years, says what his favorite part of the sessions are, and what is key to becoming a great boxer. “I really like the sparring sessions,” Epps says. And regarding the advice for other students, Epps says “Work hard, and do your best.”
If you are thinking about joining the club, you will need to follow the listed expectations. You can also go to this gym whenever you are available. For example, if you cannot go on certain days, you can make a schedule to go to the gym on specific days.
