AN award-winning boxing coach is giving young people a fighting chance inside and outside of school by running boot camps.

Personal coach and mentor Rhys McCole, who runs classes in schools during term-time as part of a wellbeing programme, set up the camp during the recent school holiday and it proved a knockout.

He gave youngsters the chance to meet other sports professionals, including former Olympic swimmer Michael Jamieson.

Those taking part in the programme were put through their paces to learn more about fitness and discipline.

Greenock Telegraph: Rhys McCole with Stefan Robertson

Rhys, who recently won a national peacekeeping award, said: "The kids were fantastic. School holidays can be challenging and young people often miss the structure of school, so I wanted to put something in place for them over the holidays.

"They got a lot out of it and they showed huge potential. It was lucky that I know Michael and he agreed to come along and work with the young people."

Stefan Robertson, 12, was one the kids who enjoyed the camp.

He told the Tele: "Rhys's classes in school are my favourite, I love them. I like learning about health and the fitness and I play football as well, so it helps with that."

Fellow campmate Kayden Allan, 14, added: "It was good fun and we had an ex-marine who was really tough."

Rhys handed out certificates and a medal to all those who took part in his boot camp over the holidays, held at Commando X Fit training centre in Hillington.

in his sessions at his former school Notre Dame High Rhys often works with pupils who find learning in classes challenging or who lack confidence.

Acting depute head Clare Smith, who helped set up the programme through the pupil equity fund, said: "The pupils love Rhys's classes and we are seeing that the skills and behaviours are now transferring into other classes as well. It has been a very successful partnership."

Rhys, who also works with pupils from Lomond View Academy in Greenock and Kibble in Renfrewshire, has overcome his own disabilities to excel in sport and he campaigns for equality as well as being a charity ambassador for Enable.

The 22-year-old,  who has won national boxing titles, recently won a national peacekeeping award from the Rotary UK and is also a finalist in the 2024 Tele Community Champions awards.