Women’s Coach Development Programme Spotlight: Rebecca Jackson

Rebecca Jackson’s journey into amateur boxing and coaching is a remarkable one that involves an 11-stone weight loss and a first bout at age 38. The Market Drayton coach now focuses on developing her sessions and creating opportunities for women and girls.

How did you first get involved in boxing?

I first got into boxing when I was on a weight loss journey five years ago and joined a local boxing fitness session. I already loved boxing, but I fell in love with the sport even more. I’ve always been a boxing fan and followed my favourite boxers.

The sessions helped me immensely, the physicality was a huge part of aiding my weight loss and I reached a total loss of 11-stone. They also helped my mental health and at the time of joining I was experiencing a lot of challenges, but the sessions helped me to channel those difficulties.

Ultimately, I felt I wanted to learn more about the competitive side, so I joined the local amateur club. After some time of training, I went on to have a few amateur bouts with my first one coming at the age of 38! I loved the competitive side and sparring. After a fun, but busy season I went on to do my level-one coaching. It was a huge confidence challenge, but I was determined and wanted to challenge myself and I also wanted to help others get excited about boxing like I did. I love being a coach and I’m enjoying the journey.

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

I was over the moon to be selected, having followed each of the previous cohorts I could see what a huge success it had been. Another coach, Dee, and I coach our ladies’ squad, so we are always looking at ways to grow our session and help provide more opportunities for our women and girls.

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

I want to be a more rounded, knowledgeable and confident coach. I really enjoy learning, and I want to develop and improve. There’s a very knowledgeable and experienced group in this cohort of the Women’s Coach Development Programme and it’s already had a huge impact on me being around everyone involved.

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

I believe being part of this cohort will help me develop to the next level of my coaching. There are so many knowledgeable and experienced ladies within our group that I feel I can learn from. I think it’s good to push yourself out of your comfort zone and, for me, that is when I learn best.

Ultimately, I want to be part of growing and expanding our club at Market Drayton where we aim to:

• Inspire people to get involved
• Create opportunities for the team
• Support other’s goals and aspirations
• Help to make champions

Who are your biggest boxing inspirations?

My team at Market Drayton Boxing Club are my biggest inspiration. The team has changed my life for the better through endless encouragement and support for me. Boxers who inspire me and who I feel have paved the way are Jane Couch, Nicola Adams, Katie Taylor and Natasha Jonas.