Benefits of Boxing for Young People and adults with SEND

At SABE, we believe every young person and adult should have the opportunity to enjoy being active in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

Our inclusive, non-contact boxing sessions can be adapted for young people with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia and other special educational needs and disabilities. Participants are supported to progress at their own pace, without pressure to spar or compete.

1. Improved physical fitness

Boxing involves a wide range of movements that can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, stamina and overall physical health. Activities can be adjusted to suit each participant’s ability and mobility.

2. Coordination and balance

Pad work, footwork and boxing drills can help young people practise balance, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and controlled movement.

3. Confidence and self-belief

Learning new skills and recognising personal progress can give young people a valuable sense of achievement. We celebrate effort and individual development, helping participants feel more confident in their abilities.

4. Focus and concentration

Boxing activities encourage participants to listen, observe, respond and complete movements in sequence. Our coaches use clear instructions, visual demonstrations and repetition to support different learning and communication needs.

5. Emotional regulation

Physical activity can provide a positive way for young people to release energy, manage stress and express emotions. Structured sessions and predictable routines may also help participants feel calmer and more secure.

6. Social skills and friendships

Our sessions give young people opportunities to work with coaches and other participants in a supportive group environment. Partner activities can encourage communication, cooperation, patience and mutual respect.

7. Routine and discipline

Regular attendance and structured sessions can help young people develop positive routines, responsibility and perseverance. Participants learn that progress comes through practice, patience and consistency.

8. Resilience

Not every skill is mastered immediately. Boxing teaches young people to keep trying, learn from challenges and recognise that setbacks are a normal part of progress.

A sense of belonging - Some young people with SEND may feel excluded from mainstream sport. SABE provides an inclusive environment where differences are understood, individual achievements are valued and every participant is encouraged to feel part of the team. Enjoyment of being active. Most importantly, we want young people to enjoy movement.

Our sessions are engaging, varied and designed to create positive experiences that can inspire participants to remain active beyond the programme.

SABE’s England Boxing-qualified coaches adapt sessions around individual needs.

Support includes:

Clear, short instructions
Visual demonstrations
Repetition and additional processing time
Predictable session routines
Regular breaks
Adapted equipment and activities
Smaller-group or individual support where available
Progression at the participant’s own pace
A non-contact approach with no requirement to spar

We encourage parents and carers to share any communication, sensory, medical or support needs before participation. This helps our coaches make appropriate adjustments and provide the safest and most positive experience possible.

“My first goal was to become world champion and I did that against Ricky Burns at 135.
Once I conquered that, I set myself another goal and another goal.."

Terrance Crawford