EB Safeguarding Week – Day 3 – Voice of the Boxer

It’s Day 3 of the England Boxing Safeguarding Week and today we would like to focus on listening to our young boxers!

This means hearing, valuing, and acting on what young boxers say — about their experiences, feelings, and ideas.

It’s not just about asking questions; it’s about creating an environment where children and young people feel safe, respected, and confident to speak up.

England Boxing have recently codesigned a new Children and Young People’s Charter working with a group of young boxers to make sure their voices have been heard.

Here are some top tips to support you with listening to your young boxers.

Safeguarding and Safety

• Children are often the first to notice when something doesn’t feel right.
• Listening helps adults spot early warning signs of harm, bullying, or poor practice.
• When children know their voice matters, they’re more likely to share concerns before problems grow.

Respect and Empowerment

• Giving children a say shows that their opinions are valued.
• It builds trust and confidence — helping them feel part of the club, not just participants in it.
• It encourages a culture of mutual respect between adults and young people.

Development and Wellbeing

• Being listened to helps children feel safe, understood, and supported.
• It boosts self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, especially in sports where pressure can be high.
• It teaches children that their feelings and boundaries matter — skills they carry for life.

Improving the Club Environment

• Children’s feedback help coaches to improve sessions.
• They often have fresh ideas about what makes boxing more fun, inclusive, and fair.
• Clubs that listen to young people build a positive, trusted reputation.