Boxing Masterclass Brings WCDP Coaches Together
February 6, 2025 | by Nabillah Akhtar
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield became a hub of learning and development as the Women’s Coach Development Programme (WCDP) coaches gathered for an exclusive Boxing Masterclass. They attended along with their mentors and were also instructed to bring along two boxers from their own gyms to help simulate real-world coaching scenarios.
The coaches were told to replicate a competition and were responsible for managing all aspects of the day’s events. This began with checking QR codes, weighing in and grouping the boxers into weight/age categories. Followed by technical, conditioned, and open spars, supported by their mentors, with a theme of distance. Each group introduced conditions, technical and open where appropriate into the sessions, to make it beneficial from a development perspective for all involved.
After a well-earned break, the coaches moved on to the next challenge—planning and delivering technical bag work and individual pad sessions. This segment required them to apply their strategic thinking and adaptability in real-time.
Laura Sargeant, Lead for the WCDP, expressed immense pride in the progress of the coaches, highlighting their ability to adapt, grow, and gain confidence in a professional boxing environment. “I am so proud of how much these coaches have progressed over the short period of time that we have been working with them. By placing them in real life boxing scenarios and being able to adapt their coaching to the situations, it really has brought the best out in them. I feel they now have more confidence in their ability to be able take on any challenges that may come their way. They have really bonded as a group and all support each other and hopefully will continue to do so.
The mentors who are all from previous Women’s Coach Development Programmes have been outstanding and go above and beyond to help their mentees grow and develop. It also provides them with a platform to keep developing and growing their knowledge and leadership skills. They are a vital part of the programme and I would like to thank them all for their commitment and continuous support.“
