Our Impact
Our Impact
Our boxing initiatives have had a profound impact on our community, fostering physical fitness, mental resilience, and social cohesion. Young people have found a sense of belonging, purpose, and improved well-being through our initiatives.
These transformative experiences are best captured through the voices of those who have been directly impacted.
Our surveys and evaluation processes allow us to gather both quantitative data and personal testimonials, providing a comprehensive view of our impact.
Below, you will find testimonials from our youths, their families, and local schools, highlighting the difference our boxing intervention programmes have made to them.
Our Youth Voices
After stopping boxing at 13, my life spiralled downward, leading to multiple arrests by age 18. Re-joining the club marked a positive turnaround; my coach’s support and encouragement were crucial. Despite ongoing mental health challenges, I now manage my anger and think before acting. I love this club. It’s changed my life.
I love it here, when I’ve had a long week, this puts my mind onto something, and I can work out and do bags and pads.
It’s a really good programme because it teaches people how to box and it’s made me feel needed.
I enjoy boxing because I meet new people from different schools who are nice and respectful, creating a bully-free environment where we look out for each other.
I used to feel down all the time, but boxing has significantly improved my mental health. Being here has made me feel better, and the community is really supportive and kind.
It’s been positive because I used to think boxing was only for boys, but now I know girls can do it too!
This experience has been fun and has improved my behaviour at school. The coaches are all really nice, and I’ve also made closer friends within the group now too.
I like that I can talk to people if I need their help. Since starting at Bletchley Boxing, I’ve been able to speak to a lot more people about things than before, such as my family and teachers. I especially love all the motivating quotes around the gym, specifically Muhammed Ali’s.
I like the environment, being around the coaches, and learning a new skill. I also like being able to channel my anger into something positive, and my relationships have really improved with people since coming here.
I like the physical activity. I have a good laugh with other individuals and the coaches, and the boxing takes a lot of stress away from me.
I really enjoy getting stuff off my chest in terms of letting out my stress on the bags and pads, and I like that it has helped with my emotional control.
At the hub, I feel equal to everyone, including the coaches, and appreciate being treated with respect. The sessions are enjoyable, and I like having something to look forward to.
I like the coaches and the gym environment. Since joining, I have been getting fewer negative points at school. I feel much calmer, and I feel this is down to my boxing.
Boxing has taught me discipline and respect for others. It’s allowed me to put my energy into something I am rewarded for.
Boxing gives me a sense of belonging to a community.
If it wasn’t for boxing, I wouldn’t be here.
I’ve built up such a good connection with everyone at the gym, it feels like a family, and everyone has each other’s backs.
Our Schools’ Reflections
We had fantastic from round 1 of the boxing intervention. We saw a very significant reduction in suspension, an increase in attendance with a decrease in unauthorised absences.
Feedback from students was very positive- boxing was something that they really enjoyed doing. They looked forward to going to boxing every week- they enjoyed interacting with staff and were respectful towards them. In fact, the students praised it so highly, that we had lots of students from different year groups asking to come to boxing! The boxing gave them a focus and a drive to do better and to be better, which I had never seen before.
The students who have participated in the programme have consistently praised the staff and sessions. The team have created a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and improving without fear of judgment from their peers.
The Bletchley Boxing team emphasises each student’s responsibility during the programme, promoting self-control and understanding in physical sessions. These values are reinforced in classroom-based sessions, focusing on respect, positive choices, self-restraint, and the responsibilities associated with boxing.
The programme has proven highly successful for our students, providing enjoyable and meaningful experiences. The Teams’ values and the delivery of sessions have genuinely enhanced the physical abilities and mindsets of our young participants.
Thanks to the incredible support of Bletchley Boxing Community Hub, our students have accessed physical training sessions and equipment that otherwise wouldn’t have been available to them.
Our partnership with Bletchley Boxing Community Hub has been a game-changer for our students. Due to the high demand, we’ve increased our sessions from one to three times a week. Our school serves some of the most challenging and vulnerable young people in our community, many of whom are at risk of exploitation and crime. Boxing has provided these students with positive alternatives and a brighter future.
One former student, who was frequently in trouble with the police and involved with gangs, found a sense of belonging through boxing. Under the guidance of the Head Coach and his team, he transformed his life, became a competition boxer, and started supporting his peers in times of crisis.
Our pupil was disengaged from school for three years, they discovered a love for boxing that has now turned them into a positive role model for others. Their school attendance has improved dramatically from 10% to 85%.
Many parents have reported improved behaviour at home since their children began attending the sessions, and they are eager for the programme to continue. We have seen a significant positive change in our students who participate in boxing, compared to those who have not yet joined.
Two boys, previously experimenting in drugs and getting into trouble, developed a passion for boxing through this programme. Their participation reduced their criminal behaviour significantly, and they now have the potential to become competition boxers.
Our Families Viewpoints
Our son was getting into a lot of trouble at school and lacked confidence. The boxing programme has transformed him. He is now disciplined, confident, and polite. His schoolwork has improved, and as a family, we are grateful for the positive changes. Diagnosed with ADHD, doctors confirmed that the boxing environment has significantly helped him manage his condition.
The hub has become her second home where she feels secure and supported by her coaches. She trusts their advice on boxing, training, and life skills. As a parent, it’s wonderful to see her so driven and passionate. The club is helping her grow into an independent, well-balanced young woman.
I believe the Box Champions programme is truly transformational. My child has come away having shaken off many of their demons, behaving better in school and at home and showing their true, happy self once more so much more frequently. It is hard to say exactly what about the programme has done this; of course, the kids enjoy it and have fun; but I think it more gives them hope, confidence and resilience that they either didn’t have or lost at some point. I am absolutely convinced it delivers on its aims and am so impressed I’m keen to do whatever I can to ensure that funding is available for more young people to benefit from it.
Before joining Bletchley Boxing our daughter’s school attendance was under 50%. She now goes in every day. She struggled to express her feelings in any way other than anger, and now, both in and out of school she is approachable by adults and students. She would find herself in aggressive rows with her siblings, this now is only a small fallout every now and then. Overall, she has found her balance and a future dream. Thank you so much, from the whole family.
My child greatly enjoys the sessions with his instructor. He has truly helped boost my child’s confidence and self-belief.
My son has developed a strong bond with his boxing coach. I’ve already noticed a significant positive change in him, and he’s gaining more confidence.
My child greatly enjoys the sessions with his instructor. He has truly helped boost my child’s confidence and self-belief.
