Applications open nationwide for Five Pillars Coaching Project

England Boxing is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the latest Five Pillars Coaching Project, giving Level Two coaches from across the country the opportunity to develop their coaching through the England Performance BADST framework.

Following the success of the inaugural programme, which was delivered regionally, the next phase will welcome coaches from all areas of England. Bringing together participants from across the country will provide an even greater opportunity to share knowledge, experiences and ideas while strengthening the connection between club boxing and the England Performance Pathway.

The Five Pillars Coaching Project is centred around the BADST coaching framework – Before, After, Distance, Space and Tempo – which provides a consistent technical and tactical language for developing athletes throughout the England Performance Programme.

As well as enhancing their own coaching practice, participants may also have the opportunity to progress onto the England Performance Pathway coaching team.

One coach who has already benefitted from the programme is Michelle Nelson, who took part in the inaugural Home Counties cohort before earning a place on the England Performance Pathway. Since then, Michelle has supported training camps and international competition, including cornering at the recent Four Nations Championships in Scotland.

Speaking about the project, Michelle said: “The Five Pillars Coaching Project has been amazing. We took a deep dive into each element of BADST and got to see it in action with the Pathway boxers.

“The main thing I’ve taken from it is the confidence to implement the framework at my own club. I now feel like I truly understand it, and that’s helped me pass it on to my boxers effectively. Seeing it used in the residential camps really brought it to life. It’s already become a key part of how we run our training sessions.”

Designed to strengthen the link between grassroots clubs and the England Performance Pathway, the programme gives coaches the opportunity to learn directly from England Performance staff while embedding the principles that underpin the national coaching philosophy.

Participants will take part in a series of intensive residential camps, receive one-to-one mentoring, and demonstrate their understanding through video analysis and practical coaching with athletes.

The opportunity is open to 16 coaches who:

• Hold a Level Two coaching qualification

Key Notes:

• The programme will be delivered by Performance Pathway coaches.
• The programme is fully funded – covering accommodation and food expenses.
• Closing date: Friday, 24th July 2026.
• Successful applicants informed: Monday, 27^th July 2026.
• Online introductions to take place: Tuesday, 4th August 2026.
• First in-person residential workshops to take place on 15^th – 16^th August 2026.
• Second in-person residential workshop to take place 10^th – 11^th October 2026.

Applicants can learn more about the project and the person specification by clicking here.

To apply, please send a one-page covering letter to Project Lead Carl Ellis: carl.ellis@englandboxing.org.