More than 100 boxers attend Junior Induction Day at the English Institute of Sport

More than 100 junior boxers were today inducted onto the England Boxing Talent Pathway for 2019-20 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

They listened to talks on boxer development, anti-Doping and safeguarding, social media, code of conduct and nutrition that are important for learning for those keen to box internationally.

Boxers also took part in a strength and conditioning session and got the chance to spar with others in the rings used by the GB squad.

In a new element to the induction day for this year, parents and guardians, were also given key information on a variety of topics, including the talent pathway, the boxing calendar and safeguarding and nutrition from a parents’ point of view.

They were also given the opportunity to ask questions on a variety of subjects.

“The induction day has been a great addition to the talent pathway,” said Head of Talent and Competitions, David Thorley. “It helps to educate inform and update the boxers on everything that is relevant.

“It also gives us the chance to meet with the parents and club coaches, which has been a fantastic addition for the first time this year.

“To have around 150 parents as well as the boxers has meant for a busy day, but I think everyone has found it rewarding and gone home better for it.”

Female Under 54kg boxer Zara Aitcheson, of Northampton’s Kings Heath, said she had ‘really enjoyed’ her day with some of the top coaches in the country.

She added: “The sparring was good and I would really like to attend again in the future.

“I have learned about nutrition – what foods are good for your body – and about strength and conditioning that will help with my training.”

Leigh boxers Zak Adams was also thrilled to be in Sheffield, having won his place on the England Talent pathway for the first time by winning at Male Under 40kg at the England Boxing National Junior Championships 2019 at the Magna Science and Adventure Centre in March.

“This has been my first time here and it was great to get the opportunity to spar and learn about other elements to my training,” he said.

“I’ve learned that mixing with other people in boxing can help you. Boxing is a very independent sport, but it is also important to be part of a team as well.”