Earlier this month, 17 young people came together at our Academy in North Woolwich, Newham, to complete the England Boxing Level 1 Coaching Qualification. Among them was Asmaa, a competitive Fight for Peace boxer with a passion for both learning, and leading in the sport.
The course, delivered by the brilliant Quinton Shillingford MBE, England Boxing Performance Development Coach and Educator, marked an exciting step in her journey, offering a fresh perspective on the sport she already knows so well.
We run these courses annually as part of our Employability Pillar, supporting young people to broaden their career prospects and become champions both in the ring, and in life. The qualification allows Level 1 coaches to provide assistance to Level 2 qualified coaches within clubs affiliated to England Boxing, providing the skill and knowledge needed to progress within the coaching world, as well as better understand and improve their own performance as athletes.
For Asmaa, the experience was as inspiring as it was informative. “Coach Q kept us engaged throughout the course by being both supportive and dynamic in his teaching approach,” she told us. “He regularly shared personal anecdotes that made the material relatable and helped us understand how coaching skills apply not only in boxing but also in everyday life.”
Coach Q’s teaching style is a key reason the course is so well received each year. His sessions combine hands-on learning in the gym with engaging classroom discussions, blending theory and practice in a way that keeps the atmosphere energised and welcoming. The laughter and good vibes spilling out of the gym throughout the week was impossible to ignore.
“Each day offered something new, which kept the experience fresh and interesting,” Asmaa shared. “Q maintained a strong balance between practical activities and theory, which made the sessions enjoyable and informative. This helped me stay fully engaged and deepened my understanding of the complexities of coaching, insights I can now apply to both my training and personal development.”
As part of the course, participants also receive essential Safeguarding and First Aid training, ensuring they’re not just ready to coach, but prepared to do so responsibly and professionally. It’s this holistic approach that makes the course such a powerful tool for growth, both personally and professionally.
“Having this qualification is important to me as a competitive boxer because it deepens my understanding of the sport beyond just being an athlete,” Asmaa explained. “It allows me to see things from a coach’s perspective, which helps me train smarter, not just harder. I’m learning how to break down techniques, understand different learning styles, and communicate more effectively, skills that directly improve my own performance in the ring.”
Through gaining a deeper understanding of the sport and the confidence to teach others, Asmaa is already thinking about what’s next for her boxing journey. “I definitely see myself coaching in the future,” she said. “While I’m not exactly sure when or in what setting yet, I know I want to use both my boxing experience and coaching skills to support others who want to grow in the sport. Whether it’s helping beginners build confidence or guiding more experienced boxers to refine their technique, I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned. Coaching is something I genuinely look forward to, and I see it as a natural progression in my journey within boxing.”
Congratulations to all 17 course finishers who gained their Level 1 Boxing Qualification! We are excited to see where this new journey takes you. Of course, a massive thank you to Coach Q for putting on yet another exceptional course.
