Paterson Will Receive Funding to Run Youth Boxing Programs

New after-school boxing initiative to provide a safe and productive environment for Paterson youth.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) Commissioner Larry Hazzard, Sr. have announced funding for two Paterson boxing clubs to offer amateur boxing programs aimed at providing safe after-school spaces for the city's youth. True Warriors Boxing and Fitness Club and Pound4Pound Fitness will receive $65,000 to support year-long programming for nearly two dozen young participants.

The after-school program will run three-hour sessions, three days a week, offering instruction in boxing, physical fitness, nutrition, wellness, and life skills. Targeting youth aged 11 to 18 from disadvantaged and high-crime neighborhoods, the initiative aims to promote healthy habits and provide mentorship during vulnerable after-school hours. Paterson Police Department, under Lieutenant Sharon Easton, Commanding Officer of the Community Partnerships Bureau, will coordinate the program.

“The benefits of this program extend beyond the walls of a boxing gym and into all aspects area of a youth’s life,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Boxing demands discipline, commitment, and self-confidence, and I’m pleased to bring this program to Paterson to support the city’s youth and their communities.”

“The sport of boxing is all-encompassing and includes so much more than just improving physical fitness,” said State Athletic Control Board Commissioner Larry Hazzard, Sr. “Boxing creates mental fitness, helps emotional well-being, and teaches goal setting.”

Beyond physical training, participants will attend monthly workshops and field trips, which will also be open to their families and community members to enhance broader community engagement. The program's goals include boosting physical fitness, improving understanding of healthy lifestyles, fostering interpersonal skills, and exposing youth to various career opportunities, such as those in law enforcement and first responder fields.

Participants will also have opportunities to engage with boxing professionals, law enforcement, and first responders, offering them a glimpse into different career pathways and providing an understanding of the business side of boxing. Additionally, students will assist in hosting an amateur boxing exhibition and compete in amateur events.

The program is also designed to support academic achievement, with facilitators maintaining communication with participants' schools to ensure ongoing academic and behavioral success. Regular assessments will be conducted to address participants' individual needs.

“The grant will enable us to continue our mission of providing a positive and structured environment where young people can learn not only the art of boxing but also valuable life skills such as self-control, discipline, and mindfulness,” said Lieutenant Easton. “These programs will empower our youth to develop confidence and become positive role models within their communities. I would like to express my appreciation and thank Attorney General Platkin and Commissioner Hazzard for making this funding available."

This initiative, modeled after similar successful programs in Atlantic City and Trenton, aims to foster positive relationships between youth and law enforcement while reducing juvenile involvement in the criminal justice system. The program is part of a broader effort to create safe, supportive spaces and reduce recidivism in the community.