Background to Cairn Lodge Boxing Club
Cairn Lodge Boxing Club was established 1981 and we are based in the Paisley Park Sportsplex, just off the West Circular Road
Our members range in the age of 5 years of age upwards (male and female) and most show a passion for their sport almost like no other boxers we have come across. But it is not just the passion for competing we try to instil in them. We want to develop them as individuals, making positive contributions to their own lives, that of their family and friends, and of course our proud local community.
Indeed the club’s commitment to the comprehensive development of the individual person is reflected in the respect and reverence we enjoy across the wider Ulster boxing community.
We produce brave fighters, but our fighters are disciplined, empathetic, resilient, self-confident respectful, strong self-advocates, driven, enthusiastic and driven.
It is these qualities that we hope to harness and help us develop a new project for the club. “Focus and Fight” is aimed at children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. (We will refer to autism in the widely accepted, more inclusive term of Neurodiversity/Neurodiverse children and young people)
Boxing clearly helps develop physical skills, boosts a child’s confidence, improves self-regulation, and provides a strong structure and routine in a positive and fun-based environment.
For children presenting as neurodiverse, boxing can also improve concentration and memory, establish better relaxation and sleep regimens, improve social skills, support better cooperation and leadership, improve focus and regulate emotions and reduce hyperactivity.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are seeking to deliver a brand new project, “Focus and Fight” to use boxing as a tool to improve physical health, enhance motor skills, build confidence, and provide outlets for emotional expression and self-regulation in children with Neurodiversity.
As a new, pilot project, the sessions will focus on:
Improving motor skills development including hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall physical strength.
Encouraging self-regulation by offering a controlled way to express emotions, reduce anxiety, and develop impulse control.
Enhancing social interaction with much of the project aimed at offering socialisation with peers, which will help foster teamwork and communication.
Through mastering new skills and positive reinforcement, participants will experience an increase in their self-confidence and experience a sense of achievement.
The rhythmic nature of training can help with sensory processing and aid sensory integration.
How we’ll spend the money raised
All monies raised will be spent exclusively on our Focus and fight programme as those presenting with Neurodiversity, require bespoke support and additional equipment that the club currently does not have. This will be retained and re-used for future projects aimed at similar participants
We will engage a professionally qualified Autism Movement Therapy facilitator
We will meet the costs of qualified and experienced coaches and trainers
Purchase of small items of equipment suitable and often necessary for Neurodiverse children and young people
Engage a Mental Health practitioner, a Healthy Eating/Healthy lifestyle facilitator/dietician
How you can play your part
There are five simple ways to help us reach our target and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell everyone you know to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. If you are a local business, you can make a donation and in return, we will promote your company in all our promotional activities. And you could maybe offer ‘rewards’ something free or discounted to people who give a specific amount
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
5. Gift Aid your donation. If you are a UK tax-payer, you can ‘check’ the gift aod box when you are making your donation. As a charity, we can then claim the Tax you have already paid on your pledge. This is reclaimed by the club from HMRC and does not cost you anything
From Everyone at Cairn Lodge Boxing Club - THANK YOU for your support