Life changing opportunities for the next generation

Shadow Boxing is an innovative collaboration between Matchroom Boxing and StreetGames designed to connect young individuals from marginalised backgrounds with exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime work experience opportunities. The project aims to provide participants with industry-related exposure, broadening their horizons and enlightening them about the diverse opportunities that exist in the sport of boxing.

What will Shadow Boxing provide for young people?

Access to Life-Changing Opportunities:

• Providing young people with unique and impactful work experience opportunities in the boxing industry.
• Enabling participants to experience the professional environment of elite sporting events and gain hands-on experience.

Boosting Confidence and Promoting Social Mobility:

• Increasing the confidence of young participants, helping them to overcome stereotypes related to their career aspirations.
• Supporting social mobility by encouraging young people to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background.

Enhancing Employability:

• Equipping young people with valuable skills and experience to improve their future employability prospects.
• Offering mentorship and guidance from professionals and athletes in the boxing industry to foster personal and professional growth.

Inspiration and Motivation:

• Inspiring young people to be the best they can be through interaction with staff and boxer mentors.
• Utilising the influence of successful figures in boxing to motivate participants to pursue a career in sport.

Background

The global pandemic had a significant impact on young people, particularly in terms of educational opportunities and career progression. Many missed out on vital educational guidance and opportunities to advance in their chosen fields, including sports. Shadow Boxing aims to address these challenges by providing a structured programme of support, mentoring and unique experiences in the world of boxing.

What does Shadow Boxing look like in action?

• Work Experience Opportunities:

Participants will be placed in various roles within the boxing industry, gaining practical experience in event management, sports journalism, athlete support, and more.

• Mentorship Programme:

Each participant will be paired with a mentor from the boxing community who will provide guidance, support and encouragement throughout the programme.

• Access to Elite Events:

Participants will have the opportunity to attend and contribute to major boxing events, gaining an insider’s perspective on the operations and dynamics of the sport.

• Personal Development Workshops:

The scheme will include workshops focused on personal development, career planning, and skills training to further enhance the participants’ employability.

Shadow Boxing aims to empower young people by providing them with the tools, experience, and inspiration needed to succeed in their future careers. By partnering with StreetGames, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of participants, promoting social mobility, and fostering a new generation of confident, motivated individuals ready to make their mark in the world of boxing and beyond.

Unleashing Ambition: TJ’s evolution from Youth Panel to Matchroom Boxing

TJ Mckie, a 17-year old from Newcastle, was the first participant to benefit from the Shadow Box programme, working with the Matchroom team around the Masoud v Sanmartin NxtGen event at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle in November 2023.

A young man already producing his own interviews and social content, TJ was first provided with the opportunity to shadow our own Content Team on Media Day, conducting research for the Flash Knockdown Podcast and learning about all aspects of the video editing process.

Having displayed skills and capabilities well beyond his years, TJ was then entrusted with presenting our “In the Community” feature with East Durham ABC, showcasing the thriving Tyne, Tees & Wear amateur boxing scene and providing a suitable platform from which it can grow.

Our fight week press conference and weigh in afforded TJ valuable networking time, with him managing to gain insight from former World Middleweight Champion, Darren Barker, DAZN Lead Commentator, Mike Costello – and even managing to meet his boxing hero, Conor Benn.

Very much part of the team by Fight Day, TJ put his new skills to the test by supporting all elements of the Fight Day 5K – before the big one, Fight Night!

Here, TJ was tasked with acting as a media chaperone, escorting members of written and visual media to the designated press area – assisting Matty Lawless with whatever was required on the night. He, of course, had plenty of time to enjoy the boxing too – well earned after a week of hard work.

Throughout his experience with Matchroom, TJ also produced his very own Fight Week Vlog.

Since 2007, StreetGames has been working with community organisations across the UK to transform young people’s lives through sport.

The StreetGames network now totals over 1,600 local community organisations – from sports clubs and community groups to housing associations, leisure trusts and local authorities. These organisations are uniquely placed to support young people in their communities, by offering a safe place with trusted coaches and organisers who know their neighbourhood and the young people who live there.

With their years of experience, and status as trusted sector leaders, StreetGames are proud to support each and every one of the organisations in their network through knowledge and insight, help with sustainability and investment, practical tools and resources, networking opportunities and more – empowering them to do what they do best: creating positive change in the lives of young people through sport and physical activity.

StreetGames are the people beside the people who change lives and communities.

To find out more about Shadow Boxing please send an email to community@matchroom.com.