Women’s Coach Development Programme Spotlight: Lisa Houston

Lisa Houston stepped foot in a women’s only boxing session and hasn’t left since. The Brighton & Hove coach has found the programme is pushing her to the limits and continuing her development.

How did you first get involved in boxing?

The very first time I went to a boxing club was the day after my daughter’s first birthday. I had lost a lot of weight, but I didn’t feel I had any strength, so I wanted to tone up. My local club did a women-only session, so I went, and I haven’t been out of a boxing club since.

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

I’m really pleased to be part of this programme, and I’m pleased to have made connections with other female coaches, who I now see out on the circuit. It’s important that the sport’s NGB provides a space for everyone to enjoy the sport and develop their boxing/coaching, and I think England Boxing do that well with these types of initiatives and the all-girls sparring days.

The more we are represented, the more likely the next generation is going to see a pathway for them to succeed in the sport.

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

I’ve already gained insights and knowledge from our development sessions together which I apply in sessions at my club. Having this group gives me the confidence to try new things at the club and not overthink everything.

I would just like to attend more sessions and keep sharing support in our WhatsApp group, as it’s become a source of information for all things boxing. The WCDP holds me to task and that means I’m consistently working on developing myself and taking on the next developmental challenge so that I don’t get complacent.

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

It will make an immense difference. I’m already doing a lot more pad work and I hold three sparring sessions a week for the girls, juniors and seniors, which I wouldn’t have felt confident doing before the WCPD.

I’m now more involved in the shows we participate in, while the senior team are great and lets me do as much as I am comfortable doing. They also push me to do more when they know I can and I’m just stalling ha!

Who are your biggest boxing inspirations?

There are plenty. I relate to Katie Taylor because I was unable to join in a boxing session as a child because it was boys only. Katie had the same issue but wouldn’t be put off so I admire her strength to keep pushing and things are different now.

Natasha Jonas is another as she is a true professional and has a daughter to support. I have two daughters so I can appreciate the sacrifices she makes to give them a better life. Canelo Alvarez is my favourite boxer of all time because let’s face it, he’s the greatest. I love Lomachenko for his amazing footwork… I could go on.