England Boxing Unveils Plans for New Home

England Boxing is delighted to announce a game-changing move into a brand-new national home based in Sheffield in late 2026.

Located near Meadowhall, work on the dedicated state-of-the-art facility is due to begin this Autumn and will provide a modern training and working environment for more than 250 boxers, coaches and staff.

The new complex has been made possible through funding and high-performance expertise provided by UK Sport, helping to create a purpose-built, world-leading venue that will support the future of the sport. We are also grateful for the partnership with Sheffield City Council and the backing of Sport England throughout the project.

The facility will play a key role in supporting the development of England Boxing’s next generation of talent through the organisation’s Performance Pathway programme, while also becoming a hub for community initiatives which are already delivered across the country.

Initial concepts have been developed by Leeds-based NANU Group, with input from our long-term partners, Sting Sports. The gym will reflect the diversity and values of the National Governing Body’s membership, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. Accessibility, inclusivity and innovation will sit at the heart of the facility, with features including step-free and wheelchair access, accessible changing spaces and braille signage incorporated across the building to ensure the centre can be enjoyed by everyone involved in the sport.

Alongside this, England Boxing will be partnering with Jabbr.ai to bring in advanced video and AI technology to help coaches and boxers review performances more easily. This will include live video capture, automated stats, scorecard predictions and performance analysis. England Boxing will also be looking for more sponsors and commercial partners to help support and grow the facility in the future.

As the project develops, members can play a part in shaping the look & feel of the venue. Fans, clubs, coaches and boxers will be given the opportunity to share ideas and vote on elements of the facility design, including how England Boxing’s history and achievements are shown throughout the centre.

Chris Connelly, England Boxing’s Head of Performance, said: “The new centre represents a major step forward for the sport and will help strengthen boxing at every level, from grassroots participation through to Olympic and professional success.

“As an organisation with a history stretching back almost 150 years, England Boxing has long been a pioneer within World Boxing. Having our own dedicated performance centre is something we see as vital for the future of the sport and for the continued development of the extraordinary talent emerging from our fantastic clubs across the country.

“This will be a world-leading facility that strengthens the pathway from grassroots boxing through to Olympic and professional success, helping us support athletes and coaches with the very best environment to perform, develop and succeed on the international stage.”

England Boxing’s Chief Executive Officer, Jerome Pels, also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the boxing community and explained why the time is right for England Boxing to establish its own high-performance centre.

“Sheffield has always held a special place in the history of boxing, so it feels fitting for England Boxing to continue its journey in the Steel City. Over the years, we have worked across a number of venues and facilities, all of which have played an important role in our story, but this new centre gives us the opportunity to bring our athletes, coaches, staff and wider boxing community together under one roof in a world-leading environment purpose-built to support the future growth and success of the sport.

“Just as importantly, we are passionate about ensuring the centre is accessible and welcoming to everyone involved in England Boxing. While it will play a key role in our high-performance programmes, it will also be a hub for the wider boxing community – supporting local initiatives, engaging young people and creating opportunities for more people to experience everything our sport can offer.”

Dr Kate Baker, Director of Performance and People at UK Sport, said: “This exciting new facility marks a significant step forward for England Boxing, providing a dedicated high-performance environment where athletes and coaches can thrive. It will play an important role in strengthening the performance pathway, supporting the development of the next generation of boxers targeting success at the LA Olympic Games and beyond. We are proud to support a project that will help create the conditions for sustained success on the world stage.”

Duncan Truswell, Strategic Lead Talent and Performance, Sport England, said: “We are delighted to have been able to partner with UK Sport, England Boxing and GB Boxing in bringing this project to fruition. It is a great example of partnership working to identify and then ultimately work collaboratively to scope and meet a performance need. This will provide a state-of-the-art home for England boxers to develop and progress, as well as an important base for England boxing programmes and initiatives supporting the Boxing community. We would like to applaud England Boxing – and Chris Connelly and Jerome Pels, in particular – for their tenacity and commitment to make this a reality.”

Allan Svejstrup of Jabbr.ai said, “Jabbr.ai is excited to partner with England Boxing as part of its new High-Performance Centre. Through the partnership, Jabbr will provide advanced video capture and AI-powered review technology to support coaches and boxers with live automated video, stats, scorecard prediction, and performance analysis. The system is designed to make high-quality performance feedback instant and accessible, helping England Boxing continue to develop athletes through one of the world’s leading boxing performance pathways.”

View the England Boxing New High-Performance Centre charter by clicking here.

*Final designs subject to change.