Women’s Coach Development Programme Spotlight: Diane Crozier

Riley Boxing Club’s Diane Crozier is hoping her time on the England Boxing Women’s Coach Development Programme will develop her knowledge and confidence going forward.

How did you first get involved in boxing?

I initially found boxing as a way to get fit and lose weight after an injury. I’ve always loved watching boxing but I fell in love with the sport when I started training, it helped me regain my confidence, not only within myself but in my day-to-day life.

I briefly competed, but unfortunately, I got into the sport too late. My head coach took me to one side though, and asked me to not give up on boxing and consider the possibility of becoming a coach and I haven’t looked back since.

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

When I started on my journey of boxing, I was the only woman in the gym and I was told that I could train but I wouldn’t be taught how to box. To see the progression and the mentality towards women in boxing and sport in general is phenomenal and I’m so proud to be part of this programme.

It means a lot to be part of an acknowledgement that women are recognised, supported and guided to be part of something that actively encourages women and girls in the world of boxing, extinguishing archaic values that have long existed. It’s great that England Boxing is leading from the front.

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

I hope to be able to expand my knowledge in all aspects of boxing and attain a better sense of confidence that what I am imparting to the boxers, through my sessions, is correct and effective. I hope I will help them grow within the sport and achieve their hopes and dreams as well as my own.

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

Being part of this programme has opened up a world of connections and hopefully some lasting friendships and support. Those things, along with the knowledge I’m gaining, will help provide more opportunities, more structure and more confident delivery of sessions. What I’m gaining from this programme I can give back to my club.

Who are your biggest boxing inspirations?

Coming from Northern Ireland my boxing inspiration is Carl Frampton. Carl not only became a world champion but a community champion and a precedent within my homeland that boxing was for all – no matter which side of the divide you are from.

He showed that boxing is totally integrated, there is no room for religious animosity within the sport and that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, as soon as you walk through the doors of the gym everything is left on the outside. We all come together for one purpose and that’s boxing.

I’ve carried that with me that it doesn’t matter your gender, your ethnicity, your religious beliefs, or your sexuality as soon as you walk through our gym door everything is left outside, we’re all one thing, human! I strive to instil that mentality and respect within my boxers on their journeys to individual and team accomplishments and that’s thanks to Carl.