Matchroom Churchill Gym and Santa Monica Police LEAD youth empowerment charge

At a special event on Thursday evening, Matchroom Chairman, Eddie Hearn, visited the Matchroom Churchill Gym in Santa Monica, California, to celebrate a unique and impactful partnership that uses boxing to steer young people away from negative influences and encourage them to engage in positive, growth-oriented activities.

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) launched the LEAD programme in 2020 as a proactive effort to address youth crime through prevention and intervention. The acronym LEAD stands for Leadership, Engagement, Action and Discovery – with the programme being built around the core principle of diversion, empowering young people with the skills and guidance they need to thrive.

From its inception, LEAD has been designed to reshape the relationship between law enforcement and the youth of Santa Monica, fostering trust, understanding and mutual respect – with a proven track record of reducing recidivism.

During Thursday’s event, youngsters involved in the programme took part in a specially organised boxing session led by Matchroom Churchill Gym Head Coach, Pedro Neme Jr.

While some of the more advanced boxers showcased their skills in open sparring, refereed by Eddie Hearn himself, others tested their endurance in a plank competition. Lucky winners also received tickets to Saturday night’s Pacheco vs. Sulecki event at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles.

The evening was filled with opportunities for meaningful interactions, as the young participants engaged in discussions with police officers, fighters and coaches, creating a well-rounded experience that blended athleticism, mentorship and community engagement.

The creation of the LEAD programme came in the wake of the protests and civil unrest that swept across the United States following the death of George Floyd in 2020. The national conversation on police practices and community relations resonated deeply within Santa Monica, prompting the SMPD to re-evaluate its engagement with local youngsters. Officers within the department recognised the need to change public perceptions and rebuild trust, particularly among young people.

In 2021, a group of self-selected officers took the initiative to work with young people in new and meaningful ways. Among them was Officer Chad Madrid, who believed in the transformative power of sports – particularly boxing – as a tool for breaking down barriers and building connections. Officer Madrid, along with Officer Darnell Crumpler and Youth and Family Services Programme Administrator, Ana Jara, have since become a driving force behind the LEAD programme, helping to guide its evolution and growth.

The programme began as an after-school initiative, offering youth a safe space at a local park and community hub. Recognising the importance of partnership, the programme established strong links with social services and the Police Activities League (PAL), organisations already working to support young people in Santa Monica. To better understand the interests of local youth, officers conducted focus groups, discovering a strong demand for boxing and soccer programmes in particular. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 50 kids showing up to participate in the initial sessions!

The early success of the programme led to the establishment of a formal partnership with the Matchroom Churchill Gym, which has since become the base of LEAD. With the gym’s support, the programme now offers sessions 4-5 days a week, providing consistent opportunities for young people to engage in positive activities.

Speaking to the Matchroom cameras, Officer Chad Madrid explained the positive transformation he’s seen in the young people he works with.

“When we first started the boxing class, there were kids who wouldn’t look me in the eye, knowing I was a police officer. After training with them, spending quality time and getting to know them – not just as fighters, but as people – they trust me now,” said Madrid.

“They no longer see me as Officer Madrid with a badge and gun, but as Coach Chad holding mitts for them, someone who has bled and sweat with them. This entire process has been a blessing and truly eye opening. Boxing has been the conduit for breaking so many barriers between our youth, community and law enforcement,” he continued.

“These youth are becoming men. Boxing is teaching them discipline, regimen, patience, determination, sacrifice and team work. They hold each other accountable. For the first time in their lives they are eating healthily and are concerned about how what they put into their bodies will translate into the ring. They are studying and keeping their grades up in school, knowing that being part of our programme is a privilege, contingent upon maintaining a certain level of excellence in and out of the ring.”

It’s not only the young people who are benefitting, with many of Madrid’s colleagues also experiencing positive effects from their involvement in the programme.

“Not only have the youth caught this vision, but so have many police officers. They see the changes in these kids and have come to the gym to both watch and train alongside them, subsequently taking on mentoring roles as they interact and build relationships with them. It’s truly beautiful to see,” beamed Madrid.

“Policing can be tough and we face challenging situations every day. Boxing offers a much-needed outlet – a way for us to release stress, clear our minds and momentarily escape the pressures of the job.”

The LEAD programme is about more than just sports; it is about personal growth, mentorship and community building. By incorporating activities like therapy, personal development classes and youth sports projects, the programme aims to help young people discover their potential and make positive choices. Boxing, in particular, has become a cornerstone of the programme. Officer Madrid, a passionate advocate for the sport, has emphasised its values of discipline, respect and perseverance – qualities that can serve young people well both inside and outside the ring.

The sessions are designed to be more than just athletic training; they are opportunities for police officers and young people to interact in a positive environment, breaking down preconceived notions and fostering mutual respect. The Matchroom Churchill Gym has also started providing scholarships for youngsters who wish to continue boxing, further cementing its role as a critical partner in the programme.

In a city like Los Angeles, renowned for its movie stars, Hollywood moments and the magic of storytelling, Cruz Vildosola is crafting his own narrative. A committed member of the Matchroom Churchill Gym and a participant in the LEAD programme, Cruz has a passion for both boxing and content creation – a combination that stood out during Eddie Hearn’s recent visit. Not only did Cruz win over the crowd by clinching victory in the plank competition, but he also showcased his interviewing talents in a conversation with Hearn himself.

His energy and skill left such a strong impression on the Matchroom team that he was invited to attend Pacheco vs. Sulecki fight night. There, Cruz seized the moment, interviewing Diego Pacheco backstage just after his thrilling sixth-round KO victory – with Eddie Hearn stepping in as the cameraman! Cruz’s journey from gym member to ringside storyteller is a testament to how passion and hard work can create star moments in any arena.

The success of the LEAD programme demonstrates the power of community-oriented policing and the importance of building bridges between law enforcement and young people. By providing a safe, supportive and engaging environment, the project has not only helped to divert youth from potentially harmful paths, but has also created a platform for dialogue, growth and understanding.

As LEAD evolves, the Santa Monica Police Department remains committed to fostering leadership, engagement, action and discovery among the city’s youth. The partnership with Matchroom Churchill Gym and the broader community’s support have been instrumental in the programme’s success to date, providing a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country. With officers like Chad Madrid and Darnell Crumpler leading the way, the future of the LEAD programme looks bright, promising continued positive impact and stronger community bonds in Santa Monica.

To find out more about LEAD, please send an email to ana.jara@santamonica.gov.

A selection of photos from the programme’s inaugural “Saturday Night Scraps” event – held at Matchroom Churchill Gym back in July for over 250 LEAD members, family, friends and community leaders – can be found in the gallery below: