“ProKick to help put the boot in”

GLENAVON manager Jimmy Brown is offering his players a chance to literally kick their way to the Nationwide Irish Cup and Premier League survival.
Tomorrow night the Lurgan Blues will take a different approach to training at the famous Prokick Gym in east-Belfast, where they will undertake a demanding kickboxing programme.
Brown, a fan of kickboxing who “dabbled a bit” in kickboxing during his time as Glentoran coach, wants his players to improve on upper body strength, flexibility and confidence ahead of the gruelling run-in to the climax of the season.
Brown linked up with former world champion Billy Murray following a recommendation from former Linfield player Ian Young, who is steadily climbing the amateur kickboxing ranks.
“I think we need to toughen up in a positive way,” said Brown.
“I know that the players can improve on upper-body strength and overall fitness by adding kickboxing to their training routine.
“It should be fun at the same time. The players are looking forward to it and I am confident we will see good results by the end of the programme. Billy Murray will put the players through their paces and I think they will find it interesting.”
Murray is giving up his services free of charge despite his demanding coaching schedule.
“It’s good for kickboxing and good for Glenavon that we are working with one another,” said Murray, who coaches current world champions Gary Hamilton and Lydia Braniff.
“We have worked with a number of various sporting organisations over the past few years and it’s obvious that they see the benefits of kickboxing training. I expect the Glenavon players are pretty fit right now but their stay at Prokick Gym will take them to a new level.”
While he spent many years at The Oval which is just around the corner from the Prokick Gym, Jimmy Brown has never met Murray before.
“I certainly knew who Billy Murray was because I followed his career and he is a highly respected sports star. I am looking forward to seeing what he can do for Glenavon,” said Brown.
Glenavon will face the winners of the Nationwide Irish Cup replay between Linfield and Loughgall.
By Alex McGreevy

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