Moves Different: June Round Up

From school halls to community spaces, June was a standout month for the ‘Moves Different’ programme. Across the country, the team used boxing to connect with young people, spark confidence and show how the sport can create positive change beyond the ring.

The Difference You’ve Made Event (Wales)
Welsh Project Lead, Francesca Russell, supported by Project Manager, Louise Vidor and Apprentice, James Goulty, welcomed referral partners to a celebratory afternoon of coffee, cake and presentations highlighting the success of the ‘Moves Different’ programme so far. The event recognised the invaluable contribution of partner organisations, strengthened existing relationships and reinforced the importance of collaborative working to continue supporting young people across Wales.

Youth Sport Trust School Games Conference (West Midlands)
Next, James headed to the West Midlands alongside Midlands lead, Michelle Butler where they attended the Youth Sport Trust School Games Conference, engaging with School Games Coordinators from across the country to promote the programme; this included school workshops, assemblies and Activator courses. The event created valuable national networking opportunities and raised awareness of boxing as an accessible and engaging activity for young people.

Gartree High School Mock Interviews (Leicester)
Michelle also supported Year 9 students at Gartree High School by conducting mock interviews while sharing her journey as a woman working in sport. The sessions introduced students to England Boxing and the Moves Different programme, generating interest in boxing opportunities while strengthening relationships with local schools and staff across Leicestershire.

Black Country Xtra Radio Interview (West Midlands)
Elsewhere, Michelle appeared on Black Country Xtra Radio’s Business Show alongside Emma Cromarty and Lisa Tighe to discuss the impact of the Moves Different programme. The interview helped raise awareness across Sandwell and the Black Country, supporting efforts to increase referrals into delivery clubs in Wolverhampton and Dudley.

Pat Benson Boxing Academy Stakeholder Event (Birmingham)
The team went along to Pat Benson Boxing Academy’s stakeholder event to showcase the initiative to local organisations and partners already supporting the club. Presenting at the event created opportunities to connect with new referral partners and further strengthen local networks around Birmingham’s delivery club.

Dudley College Student Summer Social (West Midlands)
Michelle and James joined Priory Park Boxing Club at Dudley College’s Summer Social, where students took part in boxing taster sessions and learned more about the Moves Different programme. The event provided an engaging introduction to boxing while encouraging students to explore opportunities available through the programme.

Spiral Skills x Moves Different Workshop with Evolve Academy (London)
Meanwhile, London Project Lead, Kirsty McMahon and Apprentice, Allen Kabanda partnered with Spiral Skills to deliver a workshop combining employability, personal development and boxing at Evolve Academy in Brixton. Alongside sharing their own career journeys, they delivered a boxing taster, explored transferable skills such as communication and discipline, supported students with CV activities and referrals and secured an invitation to return for another workshop.

Daggers Home Show (London)
Kirsty and Allen also attended Dagger’s Home Show to promote ‘Moves Different’ with a stall alongside a referral partner. The event gave the opportunity to support one of the programme’s delivery clubs and strengthen community partnerships.

South Bank College Sports Day (London)
Allen attended South Bank College’s Sports Day on Clapham Common, delivering five boxing taster sessions and introducing students to the campaign throughout the day. The event strengthened the partnership with the college while directly engaging young people and encouraging them to get involved in boxing.