Flood City Boxing Academy began in August 2001 as an extension of the Fitness, Weights, and Aerobics fitness facility. The initial response to the boxing academy was encouraging. Flood City grew and then outgrew the space that was carved out of the FWA facility to accomodate the growing number of youth and that were interested in boxing. Over the last few years the staff involved with these young people noticed that they became engaged in becoming part of the boxing “community.” The youth that didn’t compete in boxing events still enjoyed the camaraderie and felt as if they belonged to the boxing community. One young man that was involved with FCBA stated that when he was training and spending time at our facility he was able to stay out of trouble.

Volunteers at FCBA began to realize that many of these children are vulnerable or “at risk” youth. Staff noticed that many of the children had nowhere else to go and didn’t feel as if they fit in with other more traditional sports offered at their school or community. Learning boxing skills also empowered the youth and gave them an outlet to release physical energy and help them cope with their emotional problems.