Women’s Coach Development Programme Spotlight: Harriet Brennan

The Barn ABC coach followed a familiar and natural path into boxing and has absorbed friends, inspirations and knowledge along her journey of personal development and championing female participation in boxing.

How did you first get involved in boxing?

Boxing has always been a huge part of family life with my brother competing and my dad coaching under his cousin Mel Corrigan of Berinsfield ABC. After being involved in the club generally and helping with whatever was needed (admin, training trips, fundraising etc.), I began training for fun and fitness.

One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was matched for my first bout! Berinsfield has always been a busy, active club and I loved being there. Mel, Rest in Peace, championed female boxers and we had a relatively big group of girls at the club when I was competing. Now that I’m coaching, I look back at how Mel looked after us and emulate his care wherever possible.

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 excited to be part of a programme that’s working to push women’s and girls’ boxing forward. As a female coach in a sport where female boxers and coaches are hugely outnumbered by males, it’s amazing to have this kind of support and recognition, and spending time with the other coaches on the programme has already proven to be invaluable. I’m also really grateful to help at the Aspire days alongside NextGen and other squads.

The programme not only helps me grow as a coach but also gives me the confidence to keep breaking down barriers. It’s so important to create more opportunities for women in boxing, and I’m proud to be part of something that’s making a real difference and hopefully inspiring more women and girls to get involved.

What do you hope to get out of the Women’s Coach Development Programme that can improve you as a coach?

My personality combined with my experiences as a woman in the world of boxing often result in me feeling a sense of imposter syndrome. In addition to learning and practising different practical and tactical aspects of coaching, my priority is to really solidify my view of myself as a person and a coach.

I hope that at the end of the programme, I’m stronger, more confident and, secure in the knowledge that what I have to say, and offer is valuable to the boxers I work with.

How much will attending the Women’s Coach Development Programme help you in your club environment?

I have quickly realised that I’m more capable than I’ve previously given myself credit for. This alone has boosted my confidence when delivering sessions and managing people or circumstances in my club.

Despite often being the lead at my club, I’ve still been anxious to deliver good-quality classes. The Women’s Coach Development Programme has encouraged me to push myself and lead in areas that I was too nervous to do so before. Goal setting keeps me accountable, and it provides tangible evidence that I’m developing and working towards bigger responsibilities and achievements. I’m excited to be delivering better quality sessions for my boxers as well as taking on some of the bigger responsibilities from other coaches in the club.

Who are your biggest boxing inspirations?

My husband Tom and my dear friends Ramla Ali and Jon Dennis are my biggest boxing inspirations.

Tom is so diligent in his own preparation and that makes him a fantastic role model. There are no shortcuts and his work ethic and ‘can do’ attitude are admirable qualities in boxing and in life.

I met Ramla in the Development Final, and we quickly became friends after she stopped me in the second round. Ramla is a trailblazer for women inside and outside the ring and her story is nothing short of incredible and a testament to her resilience and faith. Alongside her own boxing career, and with her husband Richard, Ramla works around the clock to provide safe training opportunities for women in boxing clubs around the world. Like Tom, Ramla works so hard and makes impossible dreams a reality. She repeatedly makes history, all the while championing women with both ferocity & grace.

Jon is the most inspirational coach I have come across and somebody who I would love to coach like. He has a special way of nurturing boxers (AND coaches!) to constantly grow & challenge themselves. He actively seeks knowledge on all different aspects of boxing, and his general training and psychology meaning his understanding of people and boxing is second to none.

He adapts his language, coaching style and instructions to each individual rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Jon pushes for thoughtfulness and self-discovery resulting in motivated, self-sufficient students of the sport. His service to boxing on a club and national level is remarkable.