Boxer Rhys McCole brings sports camps to Greenock's east end

Personal trainer and disability ambassador Rhys McCole teamed up with Police Scotland to put together a special summer camp.

The 22-year-old works with groups of boys and girls in secondary schools throughout term time giving them some time out from class.

During a three-day all action camp at Lady Octavia there was boxing, football and rugby lined up.

Rhys McCole sports camps (Image: George Munro)

Rhys said: "It is so important for me to be able to continue working with the youngsters through the summer holidays. It is a long time that they are off and it is good to get them away from the Xbox.

"My aim is very much to give the skills they need in order to direct their energy in the right way. I am hoping to reach out to more schools. I think boxing is a great way to show youngsters the skills they can learn.

"It is good to continue working with them. This is about both physical and mental health."

Boxing camps (Image: George Munro) Boxing camps (Image: George Munro)

Rhys has developed a real bond with the young people he works with in schools including Notre Dame.

He is also pleased to have the camp in the area he grew up in to help give youngsters options during the holidays.

Rhys McCole boxing session (Image: George Munro)

Rhys added: "I grew up in Leven Road, so it is important to me to run something here in the east end. It is about building relationships and trust."

Young champion boxer Rhys recently won a Tele Community Champion award as well as a UK-wide peacekeeper gong.

(Image: George Munro) Football session (Image: George Munro)

In the gym and on the pitch boys like Liam O'Brian and Stefan Robertson, are giving it their all.

Liam said: "I like coming along, it gets me up and out the house. Rhys's classes at school are my favourite as well. Boxing really helps me learn in other classes as well."

Rhys would like to thank suporters including Police Scotland for helping him establish the camps.

(Image: George Munro)

For the football sessions he teamed up with Morton in the Community with coach Aidan Crawford helping them bring their skills on to the pitch.

But the sporting lessons continue with Rhys set to take the same group to a funded event for a boot camp at a gym in Hillington with special guests lined up.