Getting kids in the ring

North End

The North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC) is pairing up with the North End Boxing Club after-school program for a knock-out of a collaborative pop-up on Feb. 18, the second in a planned series of similar events with the aim to introduce more youth in the area to affordable, accessible sports and recreation.

The project is a direct result of the hard work put in by Mary Alagao, sports co-ordinator at NECRC, who said she is personally invested in creating sporting opportunities for kids in the area.

“It’s hard for kids to get into sports in the area,” she said. “(The neighbourhood is) low-income, with a higher crime-rate … Kids need things to do to get them out of crime.”

“I had experience growing up and being in sports,” the North End resident continued, adding that although her own experience doesn’t exactly compare to many others in the area and what she continues to see today, she credits it as a constant positive influence during her upbringing.

“I wanted to carry the torch … I feel very privileged to do the same thing older adults did for me growing up,” she said.

From Alagao’s perspective, the biggest barriers faced by families when it comes to accessing sports are funds and transportation. For example, when Alagao was younger, her parents were around to drive her to games and practices, as well as opportunities to carpool with other parents or coaches, but “a lot of these kids don’t have those supports in their lives.”

The first pop-up hosted by NECRC — which took place in September 2025 — was done in partnership with Pitikwé Skate Park, located in Portage Place Mall, which approached the non-profit with the idea to bring skateboarding instructors to Margaret Scott Skateboard Plaza in Burrows Central, where they would conduct free skate board lessons for kids while the urban mall was less accessible due to ongoing renovations.

The day ended with a skate board give-away, which Alagao remembered fondly: “It was nice to see, (the kids) couldn’t believe they won.”

“It made me want to do it more,” she said, which led to the second partnership with North End Boxing Club.

The after-school program, which operates out of 1100 College Ave., takes place Monday and Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. and is headed by trainer Chris Sarifa.

Participating kids have access to a boxing gym with two training rings, a weight room, a study hall and an outdoor field during the warmer months.

Part of the reasoning for reaching out to Sarifa for the second sports pop-up was due to his experience in the area, but it also had to do with the sport itself.

“It’s a great way to get feelings out,” Alagao said, adding that it’s a healthy way to exert frustration while developing essential skills. “It’s good to be out and see people.”

It’s an accepting place to be, as well, as youth from any skill level are welcome to join and become part of the community.

NECRC is currently looking for interested sports initiatives in the city that may be interested in working with kids in the North End, as well as participating in its upcoming North End Moves sports party, a resource event to help highlight recreational opportunities for youth, scheduled for Sargent Tommy Prince Place on March 7 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Those interested can reach out to Alagao at mary@necrc.org or visit necrc.org for more information.

For more information on the North End Boxing Club, visit northendboxing.com