Coaching People with Parkinson’s: October 2025 Round-Up

One year on from the official launch of the England Boxing Coaching People with Parkinson’s Course, delivered in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, the programme continues to grow from strength to strength.

There are now 16 official England Boxing Parkinson’s hubs nationwide, with a number of Community Inclusion Clubs also running additional life-changing sessions for people living with Parkinson’s.

New Sessions

Keighley ABC, based in West Yorkshire, is the latest club to begin hosting Parkinson’s-specific boxing sessions. A year after taking the Coaching People with Parkinson’s Course, head coach Stephen Kennedy and his team delivered their first-ever session on Monday, 27th October.

The session took place outside the club’s gym, with the historic setting inspiring a fitting group name for the participants.

“We met at the Keighley Good Shepherd Centre, which is based in ‘The Guardhouse’ – a historic building occupied by Cromwell’s Roundheads during the English Civil War,” said Kennedy.

“They were considered a rough bunch, and we’ve taken on the group name of ‘The Guardhouse Ruffians’ in their honour.

“We’re hoping to be able to continue these sessions at our own gym in the new year.”

Meanwhile, Leigh Park ABC, based in Hampshire, also launched their first Parkinson’s boxing sessions last month, with their opening class taking place on Wednesday, 22nd October. The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with interest quickly exceeding expectations.

“It was such a success that we will be running two classes due to the numbers,” said coach Colin Hardwick.

“The best part is, I can already see what a difference this is going to make.”

Head coach Billy Bessey praised the commitment of the coaches behind the project.

“The coaches took the course off their own backs, as it’s something they’re both really passionate about.

“We want our club to be open for all, and this opens the door to even more people who would otherwise not get the chance to take part in our great sport.

“Boxing is proven to be a massive help to people living with Parkinson’s, helping brain-body co-ordination, balance and reactions. I’m very proud of the coaches.”

Get Involved

England Boxing is proud to announce it has secured funding to deliver further Coaching People with Parkinson’s Courses, made possible by a generous donation from Richard Longthorp of St Paul’s Boxing Academy in Hull, with the continued support of Parkinson’s UK.

Coaches from England Boxing-affiliated clubs are invited to express their interest in the one-day, six-hour training course, providing the knowledge and confidence to deliver safe, inclusive and impactful sessions for people with Parkinson’s. Click here to learn more and express your interest.