South Hills Boxing Club brings sport back to schools

South Hills Boxing Club is making a positive impact by bringing sport directly to young people through boxing classes at Diversity High School in South Hills.

This exciting initiative aims to do far more than teach learners how to box. It creates opportunities, builds character, inspires confidence, and gives young people a positive outlet to develop physically and mentally.

More than just a sport

Boxing is often seen as a sport of strength and endurance, but at South Hills Boxing Club, it represents so much more.

It teaches discipline, respect, determination, self-control, and resilience, valuable life skills that extend far beyond the boxing ring.

Through structured training sessions, learners can improve their physical fitness, develop boxing techniques, and build self-confidence while learning the importance of commitment, teamwork, and perseverance.

Many young people have limited access to organised sport. By introducing boxing in the school environment, South Hills Boxing Club is breaking down barriers and making it easier for learners to take part in meaningful sporting activities.

A journey that comes full circle

For Lyle Fortoen, head coach of South Hills Boxing Club, this initiative holds a particularly special meaning.

Fortoen is a former learner at Diversity High School and understands firsthand the challenges young people face growing up in the community.

Having walked the same school corridors and faced many of the same pressures and obstacles today’s learners experience, his return to the school is more than an opportunity to coach; it is a chance to give back.

Boxing played a significant role in changing Fortoen’s perspective on life, giving him discipline, direction, purpose, and a renewed outlook on his future.

Today, he is passionate about sharing those same life-changing lessons with the next generation.

His journey reminds us that circumstances don’t have to determine your future, and that with the right guidance, opportunities, and determination, young people can rise above their challenges.

For Fortoen, bringing boxing back to the school he once attended is a full-circle moment, an opportunity to inspire young people facing the same struggles he once did.

Keeping the youth active, focused and inspired

In communities where young people face challenges such as peer pressure, bullying, substance abuse and negative social influences, sport can play a powerful role in guiding them towards healthier choices.

Boxing provides a constructive environment where learners can channel their energy, manage emotions, develop self-discipline and discover their own potential.

The initiative also aims to encourage a sense of belonging, helping learners build positive relationships with their peers, coaches and mentors.

A school and community working together

The successful introduction of boxing at Diversity High School was made possible by individuals who share a common vision for youth development and who dedicated their time and support.

Elize Bester, principal of Diversity High School, and Thantsha Shiko, a teacher at the school, have been instrumental in initiating and supporting this programme.

Their commitment to creating opportunities beyond the classroom demonstrates the important role that schools play in nurturing well-rounded young people.

South Hills Boxing Club extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mrs Bester and Mr Thantsha for recognising the value of sport and supporting an initiative that could positively influence many learners’ lives.

The club also sincerely thanks Gary Delpaul from TITLE Boxing for generously sponsoring the boxing bags used in the programme.

This contribution helps equip learners with the resources they need to train and develop their skills.

Partnerships and acts of generosity like these help community initiatives grow and create lasting opportunities for young people.

Building a stronger community, one young person at a time

South Hills Boxing Club has long supported youth development and community upliftment, using boxing as a platform for positive change.

Introducing boxing at Diversity High School marks another important step in the club’s mission to make sport accessible to young people, regardless of background or circumstances.

By working with schools, the club hopes to encourage a culture of fitness, respect, personal growth and community pride.

The benefits reach beyond the individual learner. When young people have opportunities to grow, build confidence, and make positive choices, families, schools, and the wider community all benefit.

Creating champions in life, not just in the ring

While some learners may discover a passion and talent for competitive boxing, the club believes that success should not be measured only by medals and trophies.

A young person who builds confidence, learns to control their emotions, improves their fitness, or finds a sense of purpose is already a champion.

Through this initiative, South Hills Boxing Club hopes to inspire the next generation of young leaders, athletes and role models.

The message is simple: Every young person deserves an opportunity to thrive.

With support from Diversity High School, its dedicated educators, and generous sponsors, South Hills Boxing Club is proving that sport can transform lives, strengthen communities, and create a brighter future for our youth.

For head coach Lyle Fortoen, the greatest victory won’t be producing successful boxers, but seeing young people overcome their circumstances, believe in themselves, and realise their futures hold endless possibilities.

“Because at South Hills Boxing Club, we don’t just build boxers – we build champions for life,” he said.