Divine inspiration: Omojor joins hundreds for StreetGames celebration in Newcastle

Ahead of his professional debut later this year, Divine Omojor joined hundreds of youngsters for an action-packed afternoon just a stone’s throw from where he grew up – leading boxing drills, joining a small-sided football game and sharing his experiences in a lively Q&A.

The local cruiserweight, who signed a long-term promotional deal with Matchroom earlier this summer, was at the heart of StreetGames’ HAF Summer Celebration Festival, staged across the outstanding facilities at Newcastle University’s Cochrane Sports Park.

Together with his Trainer and Manager Ross Wilkinson, Omojor helped lead Tyneside Boxing Club’s activity on the day, taking youngsters through boxing basics and padwork alongside Empire Fighting Chance.

Tyneside are part of Empire Fighting Chance’s growing national network of amateur boxing clubs, strengthened by a major three-year partnership with Matchroom launched in 2024. Backed by a significant six-figure investment from the Matchroom Charitable Foundation, the programme supports clubs across the country to become stronger, more sustainable organisations and helps them increase impact within their communities.

The festival also brought that work together with Matchroom’s partnership with StreetGames, connecting two key community partners around a shared commitment to taking boxing and sporting opportunities directly into underserved communities.

Away from the pads, Omojor – a lifelong Newcastle United supporter with ambitions of one day fighting at St James’ Park – was soon putting his footballing credentials to the test.

The 19-year-old joined local teenagers for a fiercely contested game, showing an impressive turn of pace and plenty of ability before gathering his new teammates together for a Q&A.

Living and training in Newcastle, Omojor connected naturally with those taking part. His own route through the city’s grassroots boxing scene gave him plenty of common ground as questions turned to his journey through the amateurs, signing with Matchroom and his ambitions as he prepares to make his professional debut later this year.

Speaking to the StreetGames team, Omojor reflected on the experience and what it meant to see so many young people getting involved.

“Events like this are brilliant because they bring everyone together and give young people the chance to try different sports,” explained Omojor.

“There were kids getting on the pads who had never boxed before – and you could see them starting to really enjoy it. Especially during the school holidays, having something positive and exciting happening in your community is so important,” he continued.

“I’m from Newcastle myself, so to be here, spend time with the kids and see so many of them getting involved has been great. There’s been a real community feel to the whole day.”

Omojor’s involvement formed part of a much wider programme, with boxing and football joined by rugby, archery, zorbing and other sports, alongside cookery, arts and crafts and dedicated SEND provision.

Funded through the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme and delivered in partnership with Newcastle University, the festival provided free activity and lunch for more than 500 young people from Newcastle City Council schools, including participants connected to Locally Trusted Organisations across the StreetGames network.

StreetGames Chief Executive Mark Lawrie joined a number of local councillors, political representatives and community stakeholders at Cochrane Sports Park as the event showcased Doorstep Sport in action – bringing accessible opportunities to young people in trusted places within their own communities.

Craig McFadyen, StreetGames’ Sport Partnerships & Inspiration Campaign Manager praised the collaboration behind the event, as well as the impact of having a local athlete so invested in the day.

“Doorstep Sport is about understanding young people and creating opportunities that genuinely work for them. Days like this show what can happen when organisations with that same ambition come together,” highlighted McFadyen.

“Matchroom and Empire Fighting Chance have brought something really valuable to our work – and Divine was fantastic. The way he engaged with the young people was completely natural and you could see how much they responded to him,” he added.

“Having someone they can relate to, who is building an exciting career from the same city, made his involvement particularly powerful.”

The festival brought two of Matchroom’s key community partnerships together, combining StreetGames’ Doorstep Sport expertise with Empire Fighting Chance’s growing grassroots boxing network – strengthened by Omojor’s ability to connect with young people from the city he calls home.

His impact throughout the day offered an early glimpse of the role the rising cruiserweight can play in his local community as his profile continues to grow.

Next up for Divine is the small matter of his professional debut. Omojor will make his first appearance in the paid ranks later this year, with fight news coming soon.