Empire Fighting Chance was born on Bristol’s streets to fight the impact of deprivation on the lives of young people. They use a combination of non-contact boxing and intensive personal support to challenge and inspire young people to realise their unique potential. £9,344 was awarded to the charity to fund the staffing costs of a Bristol Coaching Team to deliver training.
Callum* is a 15-year old from Hartcillffe, an economically deprived area on the southern edges of Bristol. He is part of a local Hartcliffe gang known to the police for their anti-social behaviour, drug use and violence towards other young people. Callum suffers with low self-esteem and has traits of both autism and ADHD. For several years Callum had been at risk of exclusion from school and was often sent home due to his behaviour.
After being referred to Empire Fighting Chance, Callum was matched with a Boxing Coach (and Youth Worker) who initially built up a connection with Callum through boxing exercises. As Callum became more comfortable in sessions, he began to relax and open up.
Callum’s coach helped him to set fitness goals and worked on personal development points too, such as learning to manage his emotions. All of this helped him get back into rugby, something he had not played for a while.
As Callum’s sessions came to an end his mum told the charity: “Since Callum has been attending Empire on a weekly basis, he has become more confident, trains hard during his sessions and his behaviour has improved - not only at home but also around the community. Callum really looks forward to attending his weekly sessions and enjoys his training and banter with his Coach. Coming to Empire is the highlight of his week!”
Callum has now been accepted into Bristol Bears College, where he will continue to develop as a rugby player while also learning a trade in construction.
*Please note, Callum is not his real name. It has been changed to protect his identity.
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