Taking aim, Roxy Siman slammed her gloved fist into a punching bag while her friend Carla Bergstrom held it steady. The two 11-year-olds — plus 25-30 other local kids — recently practiced their techniques at the Nonantum Boxing Club during a free after-school session run by the Newton Police.
Starting off with only a couple of participants, the weekly practices have been steadily drawing an ever-larger crowd of eager, young pugilists.
From right, Officer Zoi Lazarakis teaches Roxy Siman, 11, how to hit the punching bag while Siman’s friend Carla Bergstrom, 11, holds it steady during. the free afterschool youth boxing program run by the Newton Police for ages 10-17 at the Nonantum Boxing Club. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Bryson Mercedes, 13, practices punching the bag during the free afterschool youth boxing program run by the Newton Police for ages 10-17 at the Nonantum Boxing Club. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Avi Baron Fontaine, 10, practices hitting the bag during the free afterschool youth boxing program run by the Newton Police for ages 10-17 at the Nonantum Boxing Club. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Center: Newton Police Officer Mark Hagopian demonstrates a stretch for participants in the free afterschool youth boxing program run by the Newton Police for ages 10-17 at the Nonantum Boxing Club. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Braden Mercedes, 10, stretches during the free afterschool youth boxing program run by the Newton Police for ages 10-17 at the Nonantum Boxing Club. (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
From left, students Carla Bergstrom and Roxy Siman, both 11, practice stretching during the free afterschool youth boxing program run by the Newton Police for ages 10-17 at the Nonantum Boxing Club. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
“It’s a great way to connect with the kids out of school,” said Youth Officer Zoi Lazarakis, one of the volunteer teachers. She said those who coach the non-contact boxing class do so on their own time “because they want to” as a positive way to become more involved with the community.
Club owner Marc Gargaro came up with the idea since many afterschool programs had been at a standstill due to Covid.
“It’s the right thing to do,” said Gargaro. He reached out to partner with local law enforcement since he recalled that in his youth, there were police athletic leagues that stepped up and played sports with local kids. The Nonantum Boxing Club provides the space and trains the officers who volunteer to run the program.
“It’s great exercise and a self-defense skill,” said Sgt. Hagai Brandon of the Community Services Bureau.
“It makes you feel stronger,” said Siman, after lending her gloves to Bergstrom so she could pummel the bag.
Access for all
Gargaro said it is essential that the program is free and open to all children ages 10-17, so that kids “who get lost in the cracks” can join in a fun activity and have a chance to socialize. Participants can even do their homework at the gym — although with 30 kids shadow-boxing, stretching, learning the proper stance, and hitting the bag, it can be quite loud.
“I think it’s just nice that something is being offered for free for the youth in the city,” said Lazarakis, who hopes that someday Newton will open a youth center where kids can just go, relax, and have fun for free. For now, children can join the YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club, but there is no City-owned space (aside from areas in the library) specifically designated for children and teens.
Gargaro said due to the lessons’ increasing popularity, he recognizes the club may need to increase the number of free classes for kids.
“It’s a good problem to have,” Gargaro said, adding that in order to sustain the program, “We definitely need equipment.”
Gloves and bags wear down fast, he said. Right now, the club has a bin of used gloves it lends to students, but that strategy will not be sustainable for the long term. Gargaro said the club will look into ways to fundraise in the future.
Aside from getting into shape and gaining strength, some boxers may find another benefit from the weekly workouts — a good night’s sleep.
“They’re usually pretty tired after they’re done,” said Gargaro.
The Newton Police youth boxing program will run through the school year. The drop-in, non-contact classes are held on Wednesdays from 4PM-5:30PM. The Nonantum Boxing Club is located at 75 Adams Street.
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