Euro Schools 2022 review: Coulson praises club input in aiding record success
August 23, 2022 | by Matt Halfpenny
Team England’s top-of-the-table ranking and record-breaking medal haul at the EUBC Schools European Championships 2022 underlines a ‘bright future’ for England Boxing, says Lead National Coach Amanda Coulson.
The Three Lions were the leading nation in terms of gold medals won with seven – ahead of Ukraine and Turkey with five each – to carry off the Best Team Trophy.
The hugely-talented squad also claimed the most medals of all colour of any country, with 18 of the 21 boxers who travelled taking home at least a bronze medal.
“The success we have had has come off the back of two years away from international competition because of Covid-19, when some other nations continued to compete, is fantastic,” said Coulson, who was supported in Erzurum by fellow coaches Ivan Clubb, Q Shillingford, Jason Gledhill and Team Manager Cliff Perkins.
“We set records in Turkey, just as we did for the Youth Europeans in winning an England-best four golds and also won two medals from three boxers at the European Under-22 Championships earlier in the year. Hopefully the Juniors can also enjoy success when they compete in Italy.
“In the case of the Schools boxers, they are going to be at the right age to go to the Youth Olympics in 2026, so there is much to be positive about looking forward, so long as they can keep progressing and stay focused.
“It also shows what a great job all the clubs up and down the country have done in getting boxers ready to be selected internationally, despite the lockdowns that forced clubs to close during 2020 and 2021.”
While Coulson has been quick to praise the boxers for their efforts, she is also keen to thank all those who have contributed to the success along the way.
Input from all those concerned has been particularly valuable during the training camps in Tamworth and Sheffield that have preceded the tournament itself.
Coulson added: “All the clubs, boxers and coaches who came along to support the boxers who represented England out in Turkey, helping with the preparation of the squad, deserve a massive pat on the back.
“We had gym bouts and sparring that was exactly what was needed, and it has made a big contribution to how the team was able to perform.
“We’d also like to thank the reserves for the part they played, joining in with all the sessions and pushing the team as hard as possible. In the case of Ruby Took, she ended up going and went on to win a bronze, which is fantastic.
“It was also great to have the parents and club coaches of a number of those who boxed travel out to Turkey to support.
“They have all helped ensure these kids have come with all the right attributes, not just in terms of ability, but also in terms of their attitude and behaviour, which has been reflected in the results.”
