AN experienced coach is boxing clever to set up a new club in Gourock.

Jon Guetta is launching the new exercise sessions at the Torpedo Factory Club and is sure it will pack a punch.

Jon, who also coaches in Dunoon, says he has moved back to his roots in Gourock.

He said: "I am very excited about this new venture.

"I feel very passionate about the sport."

Jon wrote to Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld looking for support and Gourock YAC agreed to sponsor the new club, which is aimed at primary school-aged boys and girls, while the committee of the Factory Club agreed for Jon to use their premises.

Cllr Ahlfeld said: "Jon wrote to me some time ago advising that he was very keen to start a club in Gourock for young people, where they could undergo boxing training in a fun environment.

"Jon is fully qualified and has been doing this across in Dunoon for some time.

"I contacted the committee at Gourock YAC and requested that the club supported this venture and I am delighted that they agreed.

"We negotiated with the factory club officials and they were pleased to offer the club facilities to the new group.

"There is no actual boxing involved, it is all about training, exercise and keeping fit."

Jon, who teaches French and Spanish at a high school in Ayr, was born in France but has strong links with Gourock.

He said: "My granny worked in the Torpedo Factory during the war.

"My mum comes from Gourock and my dad is from Tunisia, he met her when she worked as a teaching assistant.

"They stayed here, so we kept up the connection."

Jon is married to wife Fransina from Namibia and they have a daughter, Rebecca, and son, Gabriel.

Brian Woods YAC treasurer, told the Tele they were pleased to support the new club.

He said: "Our club has always offered the opportunity for young people to try other sports and exercise in addition to our long-established football section.

"Recently we have agreed a programme with Gourock Park Bowling club, and this new initiative is just the latest development in our aims to offer diverse sport and exercise opportunities to young people.

"Other opportunities are in the pipeline and we will announce them very soon".

It is hoped the club will be up and running before Christmas.

Anyone interested in joining can contact any member of Gourock YAC or register through its website from next week.

Jon added: "I am very grateful to Ronnie, Gourock YAC and the Torpedo Club for giving me this opportunity."