Youth engagement workshop combines boxing skills and mindset coaching to build self-confidence

Youth engagement workshops designed to boost participants’ confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem took place in northern Goldfields communities recently.

About 35 youth from Leonora and Laverton recently attended free Champion Ways workshops which combined the skills of boxing and physical training with mindset coaching.

The sessions targeted youth aged from 10-18 and were delivered by two-time boxing world champion Lulu Hawton and holistic therapist and mindset coach Michelle Barron through the Waalitj Foundation’s Community Development Program.

Waalitj Foundation general manager of community development Troy Cook said the Champion Ways program provided a safe space for youth to process their emotions and develop self-regulation skills.

“It’s important that (youth) are not just physically healthy but also mentally supported, so having a mindset coach involved with the program provides a much-needed (mental health) focus,” he said.

“There’s lots of footy, basketball and netball (being played) in the regions, so it’s great to mix it up with a bit of boxing and (teach) the discipline that comes with that.

“They (young adults) are going to be the (future) leaders in the community and hopefully we can have a positive influence and make sure they’re mentally healthy and strong.”

Born and raised in Carnarvon, Mr Cook developed his passion for sports, in particular Australian Rules football, at a young age, and went on to play for the Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers.

He joined the Waalitj Foundation in 2007 and said he was passionate about promoting healthy and active lifestyles among young people.

“When I was growing up there were options to go and play footy, basketball, cricket, tennis . . . and there was strong community support within that,” Mr Cook said.

“I was lucky enough to carve out a career in that sport (AFL).

“I learnt how you look after yourself both physically and mentally is the key, and that’s something we try and embed in our programs.”

Mr Cook said several Champion Ways sessions would be delivered in the northern Goldfields this year.