Women’s Coach Development Programme spotlight: Ana Ndekwe (Double Jab)

The London region coach believes that learning from others’ experiences and knowledge will significantly improve her own abilities.

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How did you first get involved in boxing?

My first involvement with boxing was for my health and mental health.

After being made redundant and experiencing a life change, it was a sport that I had always wanted to try… so I did. I started with 1-2-1s then, after some time, found my desire and passion was to coach.

How pleased are you to be involved in a programme that is actively bidding to push women’s and girls’ boxing forward?

Now, I am a firm believer that this is a man’s world and such systems push and prevent woman from achieving.

We know that sport has no gender boundaries and, as a woman myself, I am sure living by this. OK, boxing is predominantly men, but the change has come.

For some reason, which could be the one explained above, male coaches and boxer can find it hard to take instructions from women. However, being on such a course that will build my personal and mental development and ability will give me that little bit of power and confidence in that area.

To add to this, as a black woman, this is also amazing as it gives those young people and boxers some representation – someone like them who they can identify with in such a sport. I am ever so happy and grateful.

What do you hope to get out of the WCDP that can improve you as coach?

Learning is power to me and towards my goals. I am a person that gains from such a group and other’s experiences and questions. I am also someone who isn’t frightened to ask, and no question is a silly one, even if it takes me time to ask.

There is always room for improvement and feel I will get that on this course. I have set goals and those goals I hope to achieve which improves my ability to coach and be the best coach to anyone who walks through our doors. I guess I have to be willing, which I very much am, and that’s where it starts.

How much will attending the WCDP help you in your club environment?

No words can explain this but my personal development and willingness will sure reek out within my practice.

Sometimes in order to be the best you can be, a little push, support and belief goes a long way. I to also need to be open to learn and not come in like I know everything, as other’s experiences gives us the ability to see each person as individuals and will allow me to deliver with that person-centred approach.

Who are your biggest boxing inspirations?
To date, I have no boxing inspirations, but do hope to inspire boxers that I cross paths with. I do very much support and am ever so proud of those young female boxers who get involved in this sport.

Find out more about the WCDP

Click here for more details.