Phoebe McDade remembers growing up around boxing gyms and fight nights.
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It was only natural as boxing is a passion for her father, trainer Peter McDade, and older brother, Golden Gloves winner Mitchell McDade.
But about 12 months ago the former ballerina decided to apply her fancy footwork to the family sport – and she hasn’t looked back.
“I really love it,” the 21 year old from Salamander Bay said. “It’s a really tough sport. There’s lots of tears and sweat but when you get your first win… words can’t describe it.”
McDade, who is trained by her father at PCYC Port Stephens, has had one win from three fights.
She is now training up to four times a week as she prepares for her fourth fight which will be held as part of the inaugural PCYC Nations of Origin boxing tournament.
Boxing has been added to the annual Nations of Origin event, which sees Aboriginal nations battle it out on the netball court and rugby league and touch football fields.
“With boxing running in over 30 NSW PCYC’s the opportunity to create a tournament based around reconciliation and opportunities for Indigenous boxers to represent their nation is a great fit,” Port Stephens club manager Phillip Ross said.
PCYC Port Stephens, based in Nelson Bay, will host the inaugural tournament on July 18. Nations of Origin sporting events will be held in Port Stephens between July 16 and 20.
McDade represent the Gunditjmara nation when she gloves up for the tournament.
Fellow Bay boxers and members of the NSW PCYC boxing academy, Ryan Leatherbarrow and Shaun Moonen, have also been listed on the tournament’s fight card alongside PCYC Raymond Terrace boxer and coach Lucus Gracek.
“This is going to be a huge event,” McDade said. “We usually have to travel to get fights so having it in our own home is great.”
Peter expected his daughter, Leatherbarrow and Moonen to do well in the tournament.
“I think they’ll represent the Tomaree well,” he said. “Win, lose or draw, I know they’ll make themselves proud.”
McDade is currently the only female boxing at PCYC Port Stephens, something she would like to change.
“More women should box,” she said. “It’s empowering. You can really grow from it, from what you learn.”