Youngsters pleased as punch after Warriors star's boxing class visit

Youngsters pleased as punch after Warriors star's boxing class visit

Wigan Warriors players Patrick Mago and Harvie Hill with Be Well instructor Sam Bloomfield and Councillor Chris Ready with youngsters at Monday’s junior boxing class at Ashton Leisure Centre.

Wigan Warriors heavyweight Patrick Mago took time out from the club’s busy pre-season schedule to help local youngsters make a good fist of a brand-new boxing class.

The Challenge Cup-winning ex-NRL prop padded up for a special sparring session at Ashton Leisure Centre on Monday (January 16) as part of Be Well Wigan’s junior fitness programme.

Academy ace Harvie Hill also got on some gloves as the group learned boxing technique while improving their stamina and all-round fitness.

Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods at Wigan Council, said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to Wigan Warriors for supporting our new junior fitness classes which are all about getting fit in a fun, accessible way.

“It was brilliant to have Patrick and Harvie join us for a really great session. They were both terrific sports and our young Be Well members clearly loved the chance to take a few shots at them!

“Boxing is fantastic for fitness and I know many Super League clubs - including the Warriors - box as part of their training. These new classes are just another fantastic benefit of our junior memberships and I’m sure they’ll prove a real hit.”

Patrick Mago said: “It was really fun! I really enjoyed it and I think is a great thing for young people to get involved in.

“A few of them threw some really good punches! You could tell they were really trying hard and having a go - I really felt it… and the more they practice, the better they’ll get.”

Boxing is one of three new junior fitness classes launched specifically for 11-15-year-olds - along with Functional Fitness (circuit training) and junior spin.

The sessions come at no extra cost to Be Well junior members, while memberships also unlock unlimited lane and family swims, supervised gym slots with expert guidance and support, and age-appropriate group exercise at seven Be Well leisure centres across Wigan Borough.

New members can currently get their first two months half price. Visit Be Well for further information.