PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Physical exercise has a well-documented positive impact on mental and emotional well-being by releasing endorphins, acting as natural mood-lifters, and reducing cortisol levels to promote calmness.

Through regular physical exercise and mental skills training, we aim to enhance focus, concentration, confidence, and emotional resilience to equip participants with coping tools for daily stressors.

Our structured boxing training program includes functional training, cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and agility drills to improve physical fitness, increase blood flow to the brain, prevent neurodegenerative disorders, manage cognitive impairment, enhance muscle strength and flexibility, reduce pain, and improve coping abilities.

By achieving these goals, our program aims to empower participants, foster a sense of accomplishment, and promote a positive mindset despite personal challenges. Leveraging the physical, psychological, and social benefits of boxing, our program serves as an outlet for stress and aggression, boosts self-confidence, self-discipline, and empowerment, while also fostering positive social connections and reducing feelings of isolation - essential elements of mental-wellness.

OPTIMIZING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

LEVERAGING LTAD AND SMART STRATEGIES IN SPORTS

Our program prioritizes the development and well-being of youth through Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Plans and SMART
Goal-Setting.

LTAD Plans are tailored to address specific health challenges faced by our participants, ensuring a holistic approach to their development.

By integrating LTAD Plans seamlessly into our organization's activities, we create a more effective system that supports the overall growth and progress of our participants.

The SMART goals model is a key component of our coaching approach, ensuring that goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound.

Through SMART goals, we track progress within our program and provide participants with clear objectives to work towards.

The integration of the LTAD model with the SMART approach in our program establishes a well-organized and efficient framework for youth development.

This combination aims to foster growth and success among youth by empowering them to reach their full potential within a structured
and supportive environment.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

CORE YOUTH BOXING PROGRAM

CONFIDENCE | OPPORTUNITY | RESILIENCE | EMPOWERMENT

Strength in Me's CORE Youth Boxing Program offers a structured and engaging experience for youth aged 12 to 18, providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Our program runs two days a week after school, aimed at empowering, inspiring, and encouraging youth to live healthy and active lifestyles.

The after-school timeslot is essential for participants who cannot afford regular paid programs but require a safe place to engage with their peers and further develop their character, interests, and passions.

Participants will engage in a variety of activities aimed at holistic development, including primary boxing training, calisthenics exercises, and mental skills workshops.

The workshops cover essential topics such as fundamental movements, hygiene, and nutrition, in additional to mental skills including situational awareness, de-escalation skills, goal setting, and the 5 stages of change model. By incorporating a diverse range of physical and mental training components, our program aims to enhance and promote overall well-being and personal growth among participants.

(applicable to 4-week programs)

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The C.O.R.E. curriculum offers a structured approach to boxing and personal development, combining physical training with mental skills workshops. Each session includes:

30-minute mental skills workshop covering topics such as fundamental movement skills, strength in motion, nutrition, goal setting, adaptability to change, stress management, and situational awareness.

60-minute physical training regimen focused on improving range of motion, joint health, and boxing techniques that enhance discipline, focus, and self-defense skills.

This holistic approach ensures participants develop boxing skills coupled with valuable life tools to build confidence, resilience, and adaptability.

PROGRAM STREAMS

The program consists of two progressive 4-week courses—Beginner and Intermediate—along with a standalone recreational boxing class delivered at mixed skill levels designed to support continued skill development and long-term engagement.

1. C.O.R.E. FUNdamentals (4-Week Course) – Level I

CORE FUNdamentals

Ages 12 to 18, Co-Ed

A beginner-friendly, afterschool recreational program designed to introduce participants to the sport of boxing, focusing on fundamental movement skills, fitness, and confidence-building.

Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (8 sessions)

Mental Skills Topics:

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)
Strength in Motion
Nutrition
SMART goal setting.

2. C.O.R.E. Evolution (4-Week Course) – Level II

CORE Evolution

Ages 12 to 18, Co-Ed

A progression from C.O.R.E. FUNdamentals, offering deeper skill development, technique refinement, and a focus on personal growth through boxing.

Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (8 sessions)

Mental Skills Topics:

The Five Stages of Change
Understanding Stress and Coping Mechanisms
Situational Awareness.

3. C.O.R.E. Momentum (Recreational Boxing – Ongoing) – Mixed Level

CORE Momentum

Ages 12+ (Adolescents & Adults), Co-Ed

A mixed-level, ongoing boxing class providing a supportive space for continued skill development, fitness, and long-term athletic development (LTAD). This program ensures sustained engagement in the sport of boxing while fostering community and resilience.

Schedule: Sundays | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

The C.O.R.E. Youth Boxing Program is designed to empower participants with both physical and mental tools, helping them build confidence, resilience, and adaptability through the discipline of boxing.

POST-PROGRAM INITIATIVES

This initiative offers training and mentorship to youths who are interested in pursuing various career paths including coaching, leadership, or business administration the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience.

Upon completion of our 8-Week Afterschool Program, participants who wish to continue their journey with Strength in Me can choose to join our community through volunteering opportunities within Strength in Me program in our Youth Development Program initiative.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM

Strength in Me offers volunteering opportunities for youth who have completed our 8-week after-school program to continue their personal growth and give back to their community.

By choosing to become a youth volunteer, participants can further develop the strengths and skills acquired during the program, while gaining valuable experience in coaching, leadership, and business administration.

Through hands-on training and mentorship, our youth volunteers have the opportunity to explore diverse career paths and enhance their skill set within a supportive environment. This initiative is designed to equip youth with practical skills and empower them to make a positive impact in their community through mentorship and leadership.

Strength in Me aims to provide the resources necessary to develop valuable skills and empower youth to make a positive impact in their community through mentorship and leadership.

EMPOWERING MOVEMENT

BOXING FITNESS PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN, GIRLS AND WOMEN

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Our boxing and fitness programs for children, girls, and women provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment to engage in boxing and movement-based training. Designed to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being, each session emphasizes skill development, confidence-building, and community connection, empowering participants to feel strong, capable, and supported throughout their fitness journey.

“Creating Unity through Boxing as a Sport “

C.U.B.S. - A Children’s Program

Ages 6 to 12, Co-Ed

A non-contact, play-based boxing program designed for children aged 6-12, incorporating elements of therapeutic play and the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. This program fosters movement confidence, creativity, and teamwork in a dynamic and engaging environment. Sessions focus on fundamental motor skills, coordination, and physical literacy while ensuring activities are age-appropriate, safe, and enjoyable.

Schedule: Sundays | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

HER Strength

EMPOWER | INSPIRE | ELEVATE

Ages 12+, Girls & Women

HER Strength is a women-led boxing and fitness program designed to create a supportive, gender-specific environment for girls and women aged 12 and older.

The program aims to provide a welcoming space that acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges women face in sports, promoting confidence, resilience, and empowerment.

Through boxing, participants develop strength, self-awareness, and stress-management skills while fostering a sense of community and belonging.

The Empowering Movement program is designed to encourage physical activity, personal growth, and social connection, ensuring participants of all ages and backgrounds feel empowered through movement.

"Empowering Girls, Inspiring Women"

Schedule: Saturdays | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

OUR PROGRAMMING OBJECTIVES

Main Objectives:

1. Provide a recreational program to Toronto’s Don Mills community that is accessible to newcomers to Canada and low-income families.

2. Enhance physical literacy and provide learnings of technical and mental skills in physical exercise and boxing as methods to cope with various mental health conditions.

3. Provide a safe space that is barrier-free and promote positive social connections with structure and a positive support system.

Desired Outcomes:

1. Participants have access to recreational activities that are affordable and available in their community.

2.Participants build self-confidence, mental resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.

3. Providing opportunities in youth development such as volunteer and employment, coaching development, and mentorship.

ADDRESSING OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS

The Strength in Me program is designed to engage a diverse range of participants, with a primary focus on marginalized and high-risk communities. This includes individuals from low-income backgrounds, newcomers to Canada, girls and women, and ethnically diverse populations. These groups often face significant barriers to accessing sports and recreational activities, which can negatively impact both their physical and mental well-being.

Through inclusive and accessible sports programming, the program seeks to foster physical fitness, mental resilience, and community engagement, particularly for adolescents aged 12-25, including those with differing abilities.

PARTICIPANT IDENTIFICATION

1. Addressing Underrepresented and High-Risk Populations

The Strength in Me program specifically targets underrepresented groups, including low-income families, newcomers, girls, women, and ethnically diverse communities, who often face systemic barriers in accessing recreational activities.

We leverage arrangements with local organizations, schools, settlement agencies, and cultural centers to identify and recruit potential participants. These organizations have direct access to our target groups and can assist with referrals, helping individuals who could benefit from our programs connect with our organization.

Our outreach efforts are further strengthened by social media campaigns and targeted advertising in culturally relevant spaces, allowing us to reach a broader audience and engage families who may not be aware of the opportunities available through our services and programming.

2. Comprehesive Outreach

The Strength in Me program adopts a holistic approach to participant development, integrating physical training with life skills development, mentorship, and emotional well-being strategies. This comprehensive model supports both athletic and personal growth, promoting long-term benefits for participants’ overall well-being.

A key aspect of our recruitment strategy involves engaging parents, guardians, and community leaders to explain the value of this integrated approach, which emphasizes building resilience and mental strength while enhancing physical fitness.

3. Long-Term Athletic Development

Our program is grounded in the principles of LTAD, ensuring that participants’ physical development is age-appropriate and aligns with their evolving abilities from early childhood through adolescence.

We collaborate with the local community and youth organizations to identify individuals who may benefit from physical activity and encourage early participation. Through community events and ongoing outreach, we continually emphasize the importance of LTAD, ensuring that our participants receive consistent support on their development journey.

4. Filling Gaps in Specialized Support for Adolescents

Adolescents aged 12-18 are at a critical stage of development and are often at risk of disengaging from physical activity due to mental health challenges and social pressures.

We engage with local youth organizations, schools, and mental health service providers to raise awareness of our programming and reach at-risk individuals who may benefit from a supportive, structured environment.

Our program is designed to address the social-emotional development needs of adolescents, helping them develop coping strategies, build leadership skills, and maintain physical activity during these formative years.

5. Gender-Specific Programming

Girls and women face unique challenges in participating in physical activities, including societal pressures and a lack of female role models, which often lead to a high dropout rate by age 14.

We focus on creating a women-led environment with programs specifically designed for girls and women aged 12+. To engage this demographic, we speak with parents of local programs, as well as collaborate with schools, women’s organizations, and community groups. Through these efforts, we highlight the importance of female mentorship and the empowering nature of sports.

6. Year-Round Availability and Accessibility

The Strength in Me programming operates year-round, including during statutory holidays, ensuring that individuals who may feel isolated or disconnected during these times continue to have access to support.

We collaborate with local community, community centers, social services, and use social media platforms to promote our program offerings to participants who could benefit from year-round engagement, especially during periods when other services may be unavailable.

Financial barriers are a primary concern for our target populations, we offer affordable rates and volunteer opportunities to ensure that cost is not a deterrent to participation.