Greenock boxer seeks to help 'thousands' through mentoring

Rhys McCole has been working with schools in the area to help pupils become more engaged in fitness and boost their education.

The 22-year-old has been running sessions at Notre Dame High School and St Columba’s High in Gourock, as well the Kibble centre in Paisley.

After just a few months of working with Rhys, St Columba's reported that 81 per cent of the pupils involved in the programme had registsred an increased school attendance.

Rhys said: “The whole objective is to give kids who are quite unengaged in school, for whatever reason, something they will enjoy.

“We want to present a new avenue and something they can sink their teeth into.

“I think that in the world we live in just now, a lot of young people struggle to find something that sparks their interest.

“I think they struggle to find who they are.

“If we can give them something they really enjoy, right away it’s a wee motivator to go into their classes and do well.

“We’ve had some fantastic success stories already and I think the programme is so adaptable that it can benefit thousands of people.”

Rhys delivers sessions as part of school timetables, as well as running lunch time clubs.

The pupils who take part have the chance to gain and develop new skills in a supportive environment.

Rhys hopes the work he does with the youngsters can translate into their school work.

Rhys added: “I get to know them and they get to know me.

“I try to be a positive role model for these kids as much as I can.

“I come from the same town as them, so I think seeing someone like that trying to promote health and fitness can be helpful.

“I think promoting respect and discipline and how that can translate into your personal life too is important.”

Rhys is keen to get more schools and businesses involved in the programme over the coming year.

Those interested in finding out more are encouraged to contact him via Facebook or @RhysMcCole on Twitter.