Matchroom launches new three-year StreetGames partnership with huge grassroots celebration in Manchester

Matchroom Boxing is delighted to welcome StreetGames as its latest Matchroom in the Community partner, kicking off a huge fight week with one of the biggest grassroots gatherings to be held in Manchester.

Over 200 local kids were invited for a memorable community boxing celebration at Co-op Live – the new state-of-the-art-arena, which this Saturday hosts Jack Catterall’s WBO Interim World Super Lightweight Championship clash with Arnold Barboza Jr, live on DAZN – to tie in with the announcement of our new partnership with StreetGames.

StreetGames connects young people from low-income, underserved communities with access to sports provision – and through its StreetGames Inspiration Campaign, the programme will aid thousands more across the country thanks to a sizeable donation from the Matchroom Charitable Foundation.

The three-year partnership will create untold opportunities to participate at the grassroots level of the sport, whilst bridging the gap to the elite level by offering tickets to live UK boxing events and providing work experience placements for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds, to help more young people engage with the sport in meaningful ways.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn emphasised the deeper impact of the partnership with StreetGames, highlighting its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people beyond just participation.

“This partnership isn’t just about participation. it’s about inspiring young people by bringing them to major events and offering work experience within the industry,” stated Hearn.

“Through the Matchroom Charitable Foundation, we’re making a significant investment in StreetGames because we believe in their mission to take sport into communities that need it most.”

Keen to highlight the ongoing success of the work achieved to date with StreetGames, Matchroom’s Head of Community Development Alex Le Guével also pointed to a promising future with news of today’s announcement.

“We’ve been working with StreetGames for some time, supporting young people from low-income communities across three key areas,” said Le Guével.

“With this partnership, we’re bringing boxing to the heart of low-income, underserved communities – right to the doorstep of young people,” he continued.

“This initiative ensures that youngsters have access to the sport in trusted local spaces, empowering them with the confidence, discipline and opportunity to be the best they can be. It’s exciting to introduce more young people to the benefits of the sport.”

For context, some of the life changing experiences we’ve already provided in partnership with StreetGames include:

• Unleashing Ambition: TJ’s evolution from StreetGames Youth Panel to Matchroom Boxing
• Inspirational Experience: When Arissa met Rhiannon…

Providing his own reflection on the partnership, StreetGames CEO Mark Lawrie highlighted its vital role in expanding access to boxing for underserved communities across England and Wales and its potential for long-term impact.

“Through our partnership with Matchroom, we are bringing real, mainstream sports like boxing into communities where young people often can’t access them,” said Lawrie.

“While some may go on to become future stars, the most important thing is that they now have the same opportunities as others – opportunities that could be life-changing.”

Working hand in hand with the StreetGames Inspiration Campaign, which brings the buzz and benefits of major sporting events right to the doorstep of those young people who need it most, this new initiative – funded by the Matchroom Charitable Foundation – aims to:

• Inspire young people to take up boxing
• Increase opportunities to participate, spectate and volunteer
• Help young people build skills, confidence and future opportunities
• Strengthen the partnership between StreetGames and Matchroom Boxing for lasting impact

Over the next three years, the programme will recruit and support community organisations in the StreetGames network with training, equipment, and funding to deliver boxing activities. Young people will take part in regular sessions, taster events, and informal activities. They will also have the chance to attend major boxing events and other boxing experiences.

Additionally, the programme will develop young volunteers through training and hands-on opportunities. By combining StreetGames’ expertise in community sports with Matchroom Boxing’s platform, this partnership will create meaningful opportunities for young people both in and out of the ring.

The fight week excitement kicked off in Manchester on Monday night, as hundreds of youngsters, aged between 10 and 16 years from across the local area, enjoyed a special series of fun and innovative boxing taster activities, showcasing just some of the many ways that the sport can be packaged to appeal to different audiences.

Amongst the activities available for kids to try out were a boxing fundamentals workshop and punch machine challenge, with Everlast challenging youngsters to outperform the professional boxers in attendance on the skipping and reflex ball stations. Also in attendance to add a technological edge were Golden Gloves VR, who put participants through their paces in the specially built Catterall vs. Barboza Jr arena.

A selection of fighters – including Zelfa Barrett, William Crolla, Aqib Fiaz and Conner Tudsbury – involved in the blockbuster fight night this weekend were on hand too, along with Chris Webb, Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Boxing, helping to keep the young people active, whilst sharing words of inspiration and guidance to all of those in attendance.

Every young participant received a goodie bag from Everlast, packed with boxing essentials like skipping ropes, hand wraps, gumshields and branded t-shirts. FuelHub provided nutritious snacks and guidance on healthy living, while Drip ensured everyone stayed hydrated.

The event set the stage for an unforgettable fight week, giving hundreds of young people in Manchester the chance to engage with boxing in a fun and accessible way – many for the first time. With hands-on activities, cutting-edge technology and the presence of professional fighters, the experience highlighted the sport’s ability to inspire, educate and empower.

Thanks to the support of our partners, participants not only took away new skills and motivation, but also essential gear and guidance for a healthier lifestyle. The event was a true celebration of boxing’s impact at the grassroots level, reinforcing its power to bring communities together.

A selection of images from In the Community Live can be found in the gallery below: