A DOCUMENTARY focusing on two sporting projects in Newport will be aired on BT Sport at 9.30pm tonight.

The half-hour programme, titled StreetGames with Joe Calzaghe, looks at the positive impact that Newport’s St Joseph’s Boxing Club and Newport Multicultural Futsal are having on disadvantaged children in South Wales communities.

Mr Calzaghe and his father Enzo visited St Joseph’s Boxing Club in Pill, which runs regular boxing sessions for the community.

As well as taking to the streets of Newport to encourage more people to attend the club, the former boxing world champion also stepped into the ring to spar with youngsters.

The father and son duo also visited the Newport Multicultural Futsal project which engages with about 50 young people in migrant communities each week, aged between 16 and 25.

The project uses sport to reach out to young people from different backgrounds – helping them access education and employment. “I grew up in a tough area and when I was bullied at school, I struggled to understand myself,” said Joe Calzaghe. “I became introverted and didn’t have any self-worth; boxing gave me the discipline, strength and focus I needed to respect myself and others.

“During the filming, I witnessed first-hand the joy boxing brings to these youngsters – it could almost be me 30 odd years ago.”

Jane Ashworth, chief executive officer CEO of StreetGames, said: “From our experience, we know how important it is to work with the local community and local volunteers to create a sustainable legacy.

"This is why Newport boxing club is so important, as the volunteers are helping other young people from the local community become the coaches of the future.”