Women’s Coach Development Programme Spotlight: Lisa Little

Lisa Little of Washington Boxing Club in the Tyne, Tees and Wear region is inspired by the young children in her gym and says the confidence she’s built from the Women’s Coach Development Programme has already begun to help her confidence.

How did you first get involved in boxing?

My five-year-old son, at the time, Jack wanted to try a sport but football wasn’t for him so he asked to go to boxing. Very soon after joining the under 10s class, his sister Emily joined followed by George. I was waiting for them whilst they were in their sessions and thought ‘I could help here’. So off I went and booked a coaching course for two weeks later. That is my story of how I got involved in boxing.

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

It’s great to play an active part in promoting girls in a sport that is predominantly known as a male sport. It’s great to be able to help girls shine in boxing and it’s been great to watch the popularity amongst girls grow.

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

I hope to grow and develop my confidence and prove to myself that I can achieve anything if I try to do it in the right environment, and around the right people.

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

The programme has already begun to develop me. I’ll now speak out and ask questions on why things are done in certain ways and I’m also more willing to ask to take control of things and take part in sessions I didn’t expect to be part of.

Who are your biggest boxing inspirations?

The kids in my club because of the time and dedication they commit to the sport at such a young age. The girls who missed prom and end-of-school-year events to keep on weight for a bout at a home show, miles away from home that none of their friends could see. To me, they are the best.