Kempsey PCYC kicks off their boxing classes with new coach Alister Lardner

Lardner, a former professional boxer and Australian amateur title holder, has recently taken on his next task as the PCYC Kempsey boxing coach.

Lardner's return to PCYC means his boxing journey has gone full circle, starting out around the age of 12 under previous PCYC boxing coach Adam Fathers, before training with the renowned George Ptolemy and then travelling all around Australia for his career.

Whilst teaching kids how to box is apart of the program, one of Lardner's biggest desires is to instill discipline into participants and keep them engaged.

"It's not all about fighting, boxing teaches you discipline, respect, fitness and health," he told the Argus.

"The practice ensures kids outside of the ring have self-control and can manage volatile situations without violence.

"It's important to ensure that you break the cycle for those living troubled lifestyles and get someone in their corner, not only in the ring but life too."

Lardner's first words of advice for those interested in boxing is simple and has been passed down to him from previous trainers.

"I start from the bottom with stance because balance and footwork are two of the key areas," he explained.

"I ask, what hand do you write with?

"From there you can distinguish what their stance will be - that process is something I learnt from my old trainer."

Further, Lardner sees great potential in people throughout the Macleay Valley.

"Kempsey has always had and always will have talented kids, if they are to take the next step it's important they have the commitment and motivation," he said.

"When I was young I always looked forward to training and it gave me something to do and hopefully the kids feel the same."

"The interest has been amazing for young and old and I expect more will come."

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The boxing classes at PCYC kicked off on Monday and there's a new look to the area.

"We've renovated and made it all look fresh," club manager Anika Vidler told the Argus.

"There's the new and latest equipment with a reflex bar, six foot boxing bag and reflex ball."

Lardner says the new equipment is a hit with youngsters.

"The reflex ball is great for hand-eye coordination and extremely popular with kids," he said.

Vidler said Lardner is perfect for the role.

"Alister has a great understanding of kids in the community and knows the importance of providing them with great life skills through boxing," she said.

"His whole family have played a huge role in re-rejuvenating the boxing area - previously it wasn't really being used so it's exciting to see life in here again."

The boxing program offers various classes that include junior and adult boxing skill and development along with junior and adult sparring. Women's boxing boot camp, boxing for fitness and box-fit for kids classes are also offered.

For school aged children active kids vouchers can be applied for via Service NSW with those vouchers paying for one term.

"For those that wish to be competitive we're (PCYC Kempsey) happy to fund-raise and help people achieve their goals," Vidler added.