Boxing coach's Guinness book of records bid

Jan 30 2009 By Mark Goode

Olly Wilson coaches youngsters in boxing

A member of staff at Jubilee High School in Addlestone has applied to the Guinness Book of Records to get a boxing course he invented recognised as a schooling first.

Former boxer, bodyguard to the stars and Hollywood stuntman Oliver Wilson, created 'Ultimate School Contender', a non contact boxing course which teaches pupils about boxing and discipline, in 2006.

It proved a hit with pupils and in 2008 Mr Wilson, who is employed at the School Lane comprehensive as a motivational officer, won lottery funding to offer the course to pupils at Fullbrook School in New Haw, Salesian School in Chertsey, and Darley Dene School in Addlestone.

He said: "Boxing is becoming very popular with young people, and as times get more dangerous it is a good sport to learn. With the scheme, if the kids come in on time and look tidy they will get an academic achievement but they are also doing a sport. Why didn't anyone think of it before?"

The course centres on teaching children how to box, but during each session members are also monitored on factors including their behaviour and tidiness.

The course is supported by actor and ex-footballer Vinnie Jones, actor James Cosmo, of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe fame, and Shaun Wright Phillips, son of footballer Ian Wright, and is funded entirely by grants and donations.

As well as the National Lottery, the Amateur Boxing Association, Mencap, a charity for people with learning disabilities, and Euro Satellites, a technology company based in Weybridge, back the course.

Each course runs for 10 weeks, at the end of which one child is awarded with a belt and £250 for their good behaviour and sporting achievement.

Mr Wilson said: "It has been rewarding for kids with learning difficulties, and it is really good for girls who have low self-esteem. It has helped children in lots of ways. One girl was being bullied because she was quite pretty, and since she has done this no one has messed with her."

Mr Wilson, who has been granted permission to extend his course to Epsom and Ewell by the Borough council, is now waiting to hear whether his course will make it into the Guinness Book of Records.