Community

Powered by Empire: Six more boxing clubs join national training and development network

January 17 2025

Amateur boxing clubs gather in Bristol for first Matchroom x Empire Fighting Chance training and development event.

Following the announcement of their groundbreaking partnership with Matchroom Boxing in November, Empire Fighting Chance welcomed six boxing clubs from across the UK to their headquarters in Bristol for a two-day training and development event, kickstarting the year – and collaboration with Matchroom – in style!

Coaches, founders and committee members from London, Norwich, the Midlands and beyond gathered to participate in a series of workshops and information-sharing sessions, providing a valuable opportunity for clubs to exchange best practices, enhance programme delivery, secure funding and explore sustainable growth strategies.

Sessions focused on a host of topics, including: increasing and diversifying revenue streams, how to measure impact effectively, engaging with schools, attracting corporate sponsorship, securing support from local MP’s and councillors and advocating for the role of boxing in community development.

The event marked the first of five planned for 2025, as part of a national programme delivered in partnership with Matchroom Boxing and the National Governing Body for Amateur Boxing, England Boxing.

Ensuring that clubs operate sustainably and maximise their impact is essential.

- Aaron Morten

Aaron Morten, Growth and Development Manager at Empire Fighting Chance, highlighted the importance of the initiative, particularly in ensuring that boxing clubs continue to operate as essential community hubs for young people.

“It was fantastic to start the year with six incredible clubs at our gym here in Bristol,” said Morton.

“Speaking with the clubs before and during the event reinforced how vital boxing clubs are to their communities. They provide support for young people at risk of anti-social behaviour, those struggling in school, or those lacking a stable home environment. Ensuring that clubs operate sustainably and maximise their impact is essential.”

We can advocate for increased government investment in grassroots boxing.

- Alex Le Guével

In addition, Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing, highlighted the significance of bringing clubs together to collaborate and drive long-term change in grassroots boxing.

“Our collaboration with Empire Fighting Chance and England Boxing is an exciting three-year initiative aimed at strengthening boxing clubs across the UK,” stated Le Guével.

“Our goal is to recruit up to 100 clubs into the network. Events like this allow clubs to come together, learn from one another and share their successes. By gathering data on their work, we can advocate for increased government investment in grassroots boxing,” he continued.

“Beyond just networking, these events create a structured approach to club development, ensuring that each organisation is equipped with the tools, resources and knowledge to grow sustainably. By demonstrating the profound social impact boxing clubs have in their communities, we can push for greater recognition and long-term support at both local and national levels.”

All of the clubs in attendance expressed great enthusiasm about the knowledge and connections gained from the event, including Nigel Moore and Katie Potts from Norwich City Boxing Club – a relatively new club, who found their experience invaluable.

“It’s been brilliant, getting everyone together has been incredibly useful. We’ve taken away so many great ideas,” said Moore.

Echoing her colleague’s sentiments, Potts was keen to point out some of the benefits that their club had already felt from being involved in the programme.

“This event has helped us build relationships and share challenges. Empire Fighting Chance’s ethos resonated with us and we’re eager to expand our outreach to more schools and communities.”

Seeing how others approach the sport is valuable and, even at 75, I’m always learning.

- Ray Revell

In contrast, Ray Revell is the Head Coach and Founder of Wellingborough ABC, a club with a much longer history. Speaking to Empire’s social team, Revell reflected on his journey in the sport and the importance of evolving with the times.

“We started 55 years ago to get kids off the streets and give them opportunities,” he said.

“That mission hasn’t changed. Seeing how others approach the sport is valuable and, even at 75, I’m always learning.”

In addition, Billy Singh, Head Coach at Westside Boxing Club in Coventry, was inspired by the potential he saw for his club to take boxing into local schools.

“It was eye-opening to see how we can integrate boxing with education, relating pad work to school work and personal development. This is a new area for us and we’re excited to explore it further.”

The next training and development event is scheduled to take place in Bristol at the start of April, where the network of boxing clubs benefitting from the support that Matchroom Boxing and Empire Fighting Chance are offering will continue to grow.

Thank you to each of the participating clubs involved in January’s training cohort:

  • Be Inspired – Croydon, South London
  • Westside Boxing Club – Coventry, Warwickshire
  • Apex Boxing Academy – Isle of Sheppey, Kent
  • Norwich City Boxing Club – Norwich, Norfolk
  • Wellingborough ABC – Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
  • Don Davis Boxing Academy – Lambeth, South London

If your boxing club is interested in working with Empire Fighting Chance, please contact aaron@empirefightingchance.org.