BELFAST students got a fast-paced introduction to boxing training today as part of events for International Women's Day.
Around 150 female pupils from secondary schools joined the event in east Belfast's Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre.
The non-contact boxing session was delivered by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) along with club coaches.
Women's boxing in Ireland can boast world and European champions as well as gold medallists at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Speaking to The Irish News, Rachel Cairns from the IABA said the day also provided education on mental health and nutrition.
"We had a lot of girls who walked through the door and said 'no, I can't do this,' but by the end of the session were loving it," she said.
"That's why it was great to have the local clubs there, it means if girls do sign up there's a familiar face there for them to speak to. So it's all about providing that sort of environment where they felt safe and welcomed, and to be honest it was fun. All the girls were laughing and enjoying themselves, so the crux of it all was really just a celebration of women in sport."
With huge success at elite level, she said support from Belfast City Council and Sport NI was helping to grow the sport at the grassroots.
"It's not just about the fitness, it's a great confidence booster for girls and this gives them a taste of what they could be doing at their own club."
