GB boxers inspire the next generation at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School

July 16, 2019 | by Matt Halfpenny

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On Wednesday 11th July, students at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School in Derbyshire were treated to 3 very special guest appearances from members of the GB Boxing Squad as part of a week-long effort to inspire and engage them with their studies.

 Dalton Smith, Natasha Gale and Lewis Williams took time out from their busy training schedules to speak to the students about their own experiences of education, the sacrifices and barriers they’ve encountered on their journey to becoming a member of Team GB and the aspirations they each have within boxing and their wider lives.

 Similar themes emerged from each boxer’s story; Hard work, determination, confidence in yourself and the people around you and absolute dedication to their end objective. The boxers spoke about role models that had inspired them growing up, the backgrounds they have come from and the importance of having the right attitude.

The visit was organised by DHFS Assistant Headteacher, Nathan McGuinness, with support from England Boxing’s East Midlands Club Support Officer, Alex Le Guével and GB Boxing’s Debbie Reilly. It is hoped that the visit will act as a precursor to introducing regular boxing provision to the school from September onwards.

Speaking shortly after the visit, Mr McGuinness said: “Thanks to both England Boxing and GB Boxing for helping to organise a really easy, professional and smooth visit. The boxers were a credit to Team GB and did everything asked of them. I hope they found it a rewarding experience too. I also hope it is something we can do more often and please consider Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School as a friend of yours moving forward. Days like today will prove to be a great boost for our young people. Please pass on my gratitude to Lewis, Dalton and Natasha.”

England Boxing’s East Midlands Club Support Officer, Alex Le Guével, also commented: “It was a genuine pleasure to spend the morning in the company of some of our country’s finest boxing talent. Hopefully their visit to DHFS acts as inspiration to their young people and can help to better engage them with their studies. Exciting work is taking place behind the scenes to bring boxing to DHFS on a more permanent basis, which I’m sure will benefit the school community incredibly.”

It’s not all fun and games for the boxers however, as they headed straight back off to their Sheffield base for an afternoon of tough training and sparring!

For further information about boxing in the East Midlands, please contact Alex Le Guével – alex.leguevel@englandboxing.org – 07741149815