The venture
Boxing Futures is a dynamic charity which works to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of disadvantaged young people. We use boxing and non-contact boxing training to help with building positive relationships, developing core soft skills and increasing confidence and motivation.
The challenge – what inspired your venture
We were both working with disadvantaged people and were disillusioned as many tended to end up part of the criminal system, without much support once they left us or anything in terms of personal development to continue their support.
There seemed to be a gap in the market in helping and supporting those most vulnerable to stop them falling down the wrong path. We believed that boxing training was a way we could support disadvantaged young people, by giving them an environment where they would feel heard, get opportunities to create positive relationships and keep fit whilst learning about confidence and discipline.
When we started the programme, we needed help, particularly with diversifying funding sources & generating more income.
The result – how the programme helped
Allia provided extensive guidance from amazing speakers and mentors. I learnt a great deal from the cohort, and it was valuable to be part of a founder community and grow mentor connections. The workshop content was really helpful and having one-to-ones with the programme team enabled us to look further into our venture’s specific challenges.
Throughout the programme we secured a loan in principle, have employed 1 new staff member and have taken on 2 volunteers. We are also in the process of transitioning some of our team from part time employees to full time employees. Most importantly, we have been able to secure our own boxing gym – and are proud to share that in 2020 we positively impacted 400 lives.
“As co-workers and programme participants, we have nothing negative to say. Even during the pandemic, the Allia team have been brilliant – the team kindly opened up their conference room which enabled us to create some virtual boxing training videos for the young people we support so that we could continue our sessions online.”
Andy Burley. Co-founder for Boxing Futures.