At Sting Like a Bee, we’re more than just a boxing program. We’re a community-driven initiative that empowers young people, fosters resilience, and cultivates self-worth. Let’s dive into what makes us buzz with excitement:
Our Mission
Sting Like a Bee was born out of a desire to combat anti-social behavior and knife crime. We believe that every young person deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe haven where they can discover their inner strength, build confidence, and find a sense of belonging.
What We Offer
- Free Weekly Boxing Sessions: Led by our highly qualified motivational coaches, our boxing sessions are more than just physical exercise. They’re an opportunity for young people to learn discipline, focus, and teamwork. Whether they’re throwing punches or practicing footwork, they’re also building mental resilience.
- Community Integration: We’re not just a gym; we’re a community. Through our sessions, participants connect with peers who share their passion for boxing. They become part of something bigger—a network of support and encouragement.
- Improved Mental and Physical Health: Boxing isn’t just about the physical aspect. It’s a powerful outlet for stress, anxiety, and pent-up emotions. Our sessions promote mental well-being alongside physical fitness.
Maverick Stars: Our Backing
Sting Like a Bee is proudly funded by Maverick Stars, an organization committed to nurturing talent and creating positive change. With their support, we’ve been able to reach more young people and make a lasting impact.
Who Can Attend?
Sting Like a Bee welcomes all young individuals who want to learn, grow, and challenge themselves. Whether you’re a beginner or have some boxing experience, our doors are open. Age, background, and skill level don’t matter—what matters is your commitment to self-improvement.
Make a Referral
If you know someone who could benefit from our program, visit the Maverick Stars website to learn more about Sting Like a Bee and make a referral. Together, we’ll continue to create champions both inside and outside the ring.
Nick Flaherty – Youth Diversion Support Worker
Since working for Bolton youth Justice in 2020 I have brought over 50 different Young People to Elite boxing for the group Classes that are run through the Sting Like a Bee charity. These young people have a wide range of complexities and are some of the hardest to reach in Bolton due to the Trauma faced in their young lives.
The Gym has been an invaluable intervention to the young people on my caseload and across all the services at Bolton council. These Young people are sometimes prejudged because of their backgrounds or past misdemeanors and are therefore not able to attend certain clubs/colleges or groups. Elite are the opposite and are completely inclusive no matter the background.
Despite some of these Young People previously not seeing eye to eye with each other we have never had a cross word between them in the hundreds of sessions that have taken place over the past 3 years, there has only been laughter and smiles from young people who finally feel part of a positive group activity after years of rejection.
The Gym has provided opportunities for them to train at night, box for the amateur team and even assist with coaching. They have also provided free equipment but above all enthusiastic coaching, guidance and mentoring with no gain to the gym apart from providing the most challenging young people from the town with opportunities that they have never had before. This has benefited the young people massively with their physical and Mental wellbeing.
I am currently supporting a Young Person who has never attended School on a regular basis in his life, he has never had positive hobby in his life, he has suffered trauma and rejection so has lost the enthusiasm to even try. He started attending Elite 9 months ago and after a difficult start due to his low fitness levels he now absolutely loves the sessions. He phones me first thing Monday morning to check that I will be taking him every week and has shown a dedication that he never has before.
His mum and school are thrilled and his physical and mental health has improved no end and due to the exercise and the fact he has quit long term cannabis use due to his new found dedication.
