Boxing stars hit the padel court with Manchester schoolchildren

Wednesday evening saw an exciting blend of sports and community engagement, as Matchroom Boxing teamed up with Maverick Stars Trust to host a unique Community Padel event at the brand-new PurePadel facility in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

Designed to inspire local youth and introduce them to a new sport, the event brought together boxing icons and young people from the 0161 Project, coordinated by our friends at Collyhurst & Moston ABC. It was a chance for schoolchildren to not only meet their heroes, but to challenge them on the court, in an evening filled with friendly competition and camaraderie.

Jack Catterall, one half of this weekend’s blockbuster main event at the Co-op Live and a longstanding Maverick Stars ambassador, also sent an inspirational message to the youngsters in attendance – as he fulfilled his fight week commitments across town at the Etihad Stadium in a final face-off with Regis Prograis, ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League tie against Sparta Prague.

Matchroom’s latest signing, former GB standout Conner Tudsbury, was joined by fellow stablemates Rhiannon Dixon and Aqib Fiaz – with Olympic Bronze Medallist, Cindy Ngamba and fellow Olympian, Delicious Orie, adding to the star-power, along with Manchester boxing legends Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg. Even former Premier League winner, Danny Simpson, now venturing into boxing himself, joined the event, bringing an exciting crossover appeal to the day.

For nearly all participants, padel was a brand-new sport. The shared novelty created an environment where young and seasoned athletes could learn and play together, with the children enthusiastically sharing their newfound skills with their sporting heroes. The PurePadel courts rang with laughter, encouragement and a positive spirit that demonstrated the power of sport to bring people together.

Speaking to the Maverick Stars Trust cameras, Anthony Heaps from the 0161 Project was full of praise for the exciting new opportunity for the youngsters he works with.

“I work with Saviour Primary School, a local primary school in the area and I’ve brought along eight or nine children to try out padel for the very first time,” said Heaps.

“None of them really know what padel is, so it’s a good opportunity for them to try a new sport and do something a little outside of their comfort zone. To find a new sport like this and a new opportunity for them, it’s really good,” he continued.

“We’ve teamed up with Maverick Stars for a number of years now, through the work we do with Collyhurst & Moston ABC and the 0161 project. They’ve been an amazing support – and events like this today are testament to their continuous efforts to take boxing to new audiences.”

Maverick Stars Trust is a UK-based charitable organisation dedicated to using sport, particularly boxing, as a tool for social impact and positive change in communities.

Founded with a mission to inspire young people and provide opportunities for those who might be at risk or disadvantaged, the trust supports grassroots initiatives that promote physical fitness, mental wellbeing and personal development.

Much of Maverick Stars Trust’s work focuses on supporting boxing clubs and projects across the UK. These initiatives often aim to help young people build confidence, discipline and resilience while keeping them engaged and away from potentially negative influences.

Some of the most impactful projects that the trust have delivered to date include:

• Sting Like a Bee
• Keep the Beat
• Holiday Hunger: Fit & Fed
• Maverick Veterans

The trust collaborates closely with England Boxing and other sports organisations – and they work with ambassadors, including a number of professional boxers and trainers, who serve as role models and mentors for young participants.

In 2023, the trust’s Founder, Charlotte Gilley, was awarded with an MBE for services to boxing in the King’s New Year’s Honour list.

While Maverick Stars Trust are normally accustomed to supporting communities through boxing, this padel event extended their outreach in a fresh and impactful way.

Beyond just sport, it provided a safe space for Manchester’s youth to engage, grow and enjoy a healthy distraction from the streets.

Through collaborations like this, Matchroom Boxing and Maverick Stars Trust continue to foster community ties and create positive experiences that transcend boxing, proving that no matter the sport, positive outcomes are possible.