BUCKLAND Athletic linked up with Kingsteignton-based Kings Boxing Academy for the second time on Thursday, writes Josh Goodman.

Thirteen of Buckland’s players and Head Coach Dan Hart were put through their paces at the gym in the clubhouse of the football club’s former haunt, with seven Kings boxers helping the footballers through the gruelling routine.

‘After they came in the first time, I really enjoyed it and felt the love and the respect,’ said Kings Head Coach Chris Rattenbury.

‘Buckland are buzzing over this. They are really enthusiastic and – in their words, not mine – I’m a legend in the changing room!

‘I’ve got a lot of respect for Dan coming in as a new boss and shaking the tree by bringing in new talent and looking to develop them.

‘Clubs should look beyond their field or their training program – I’ve done this with rugby clubs before. Boxers should go and try some other form of fitness or sports and vice versa.

‘What we do here is use this gym as a great community sporting resource, which is open to all. No matter what happens in your life outside that door, you come in here and forget it and feel good about yourself.

‘Every one of those footballers left here feeling like a personal hero, and they will respect me for what I did for them tonight.

‘Reece [Shanley] was a talented little boxer and Bjorn [Callum Watson] was such a nice lad – I love that hairdo!’