Last Friday, more than 90 young people from across Birmingham joined Team England Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Lucy Kings-Wheatley for a day of boxing-inspired activities designed to build confidence, develop life skills and showcase the opportunities sport can create.
The event saw Lucy visit participants at Aston Manor Academy and Archbishop Illsley Catholic School, sharing her journey from local boxing clubs to the Commonwealth Games. She then returned to her home gym, Acocks Green Boxing Club, to host a session with participants from England Boxing's Moves Different programme as part of Team England's Glasgow 2026 Legacy Programme.
Delivered in partnership with England Boxing, the sessions formed part of Moves Different, a programme that uses boxing-inspired activities, mentoring and positive role models to support young people and create opportunities through sport.
Throughout the day, participants took part in practical activities alongside coaches and mentors, developing skills such as teamwork, communication and discipline while experiencing the supportive environment local boxing clubs can provide.
Alongside the sessions, Lucy shared her own story. Growing up in Birmingham, her sporting journey began in kickboxing before she made the transition to boxing in search of a pathway that could take her further in the sport. Today, as a full-time athlete and Commonwealth Games medallist, she returned to the community where her journey began to show young people what can be possible through sport.
Speaking to participants, Lucy encouraged them to try new opportunities and find a sport they enjoy, explaining how sport can open doors, build lifelong friendships and provide the confidence to pursue ambitions both on and off the field of play.
Lucy Kings-Wheatley said:
"Boxing has played a huge role in my life. It taught me discipline, resilience and confidence, but it also gave me a community and people who believed in me. Days like today are so important because they show young people what is possible and help them realise that sport can open doors both inside and outside of competition."
Jerome Pels, CEO at England Boxing, said:
"At England Boxing, we know first-hand how Boxing transforms lives. Our clubs are at the heart of communities across the country, providing opportunities for people to develop, build confidence and discover what they are capable of achieving."
By bringing together local schools, community programmes, coaches and athlete role models, the event highlighted the difference sport can make when communities work together. For the young people involved, the day provided an opportunity to learn new skills, hear first-hand from a Commonwealth Games medallist and experience the positive environment that local boxing clubs can provide.
As the second of six activations within Team England's Glasgow 2026 Legacy Programme, the event demonstrated how the impact of Team England extends beyond competition. By connecting athletes with local communities, the programme is helping more young people access opportunities through sport and see themselves reflected in the team that represents England on the international stage.
