Women’s Coach Development Programme Spotlight: Nichola Readman

Nichola Readman (Natural Progression) used boxing to transform her mental health. Now a coach, she hopes the programme will give her the tools to further improve her boxers.

How did you first get involved in boxing?

I originally signed up for a white-collar event when I was going through a tough time with my mental health and I just needed something to focus on. I saw it advertised on social media, and I just suddenly thought this could be something that I need to guide me through this part of my life.

I’d never done any boxing before; I’d just watched big fights on TV and I wasn’t sure about the rules or anything. After eight weeks of training, which I loved, I then had a bout in the ring in front of hundreds of people. It was both scary and exciting at the same time, I loved it.

After that experience, I carried on training at an amateur boxing gym, and it was there I was approached by a coach who asked if I would like to coach for them. I jumped at the chance and I’m so glad I took that opportunity.

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

I’m very thankful to be part of this programme. It is a male-dominated sport at the moment which means women tend to have to participate in mixed sessions, and so I’ve been putting on a female-only boxing session at our gym.

Seeing young girls and women come and enjoy the session, and seeing their confidence gives me great satisfaction and confidence that women belong in this sport.

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

I’m hoping that being on this WCDP will give me more knowledge and understanding of the sport. Having other women on the course who are at different levels and experience, will help me and the others develop as coaches. It also helps to learn techniques to deal with certain issues you don’t feel you can discuss with other coaches in the gym.

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

I can already see the differences! It has made me think about the coach I want to be and how to deliver that more. I’m also bringing new ideas, and the boxers can see that I’m trying to improve myself so that I can improve them as a boxer. Everyone at the club is supporting me and they can see how much I enjoy the course – which has brought a good atmosphere to the club.

Who are your biggest boxing inspirations?

I’ve always looked up to the likes of Katie Taylor and Savannah Marshall and I’m fortunate to have seen them box a few times. They have dedicated their lives to the sport and that’s helped put women’s boxing on the map.

Katie used to pretend she was a boy when she first started boxing because girls weren’t allowed to box, while Savannah Marshall was so shy when she started but now, she’s a world champion.