England Boxing apprentices meet Prince William at Coach Core event

Seven of England Boxing’s apprentices have attend Coach core’s 10-year anniversary celebration at the Copperbox Arena London – and got the chance to meet Prince William.

The apprentices were given the chance to network with 200-plus employers and partners along with more than 20 apprentices from other organisations.

The ‘fantastic day and inspiring day’ was capped off with the chance to show off their coaching skills to the event’s special guests, including HRH, The Prince of Wales.

The unforgettable experience saw apprentices Joshua Jones (Midlands) and Gabrielle Reid (Western Counties) get the opportunity to show the Prince some boxing fundamentals in one-to-one sessions.

They took the prince through some bag and pad work which he visibly enjoyed and ‘took to it as a natural’, with the apprentices believing he has true potential!

HRH also spoke to the apprentices and took time to listen to their experiences in their roles so far before wishing them the best of luck going forward.

The apprentices – who have been since post since August and were appointed to help ensure a lasting legacy from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games – will use the experience to help them with their upcoming community engagement events and weekly outreach projects.

Reid also featured on the front page of The Times newspaper alongside Prince William (as pictured below).

“I had a really good day and I think it gave the guests a good insight into what Coach Core does for many young people,” said Madi Gittins, apprentice for the Yorkshire region.

Tyne, Tees and Wear apprentice Alys Ball added: “I had an amazing day at the Coach Core event, I believe that it gave the guests a great day taster off what apprenticeships are all about and which organisations they have worked with down the years.”

England Boxing’s Interim Head of Operations, Avoen Perryman, was proud of the apprentice team, which he feels has bonded well despite only coming together a short while ago.

“The Coach Core 10th anniversary celebration was such a wonderful occasion to be a part of,” he said.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to the staff and volunteers at Coach Core as well Lifetime Training for all of their support in getting our apprentices together yesterday at such a landmark event. It was an experience that they will never forget.

“Personally, it was such a pleasure to see the smiles on all of the apprentices’ faces, and to hear them share their stories and experiences of working for England Boxing with all of the guests who were there to raise money for Coach Core on the day.

“Lastly, I’d like to thank the apprentices for doing themselves and England Boxing proud yesterday… I am very much looking forward to seeing what the next 13 months has in store for them.”