The launch of the new MTK National Boxing and Education Academy will offer young boxers the chance to continue studying while competing and give the opportunity to teenagers interested in boxing the chance to build a career in sport, according to Sandra Vaughan, the CEO of MTK Global.
The academy, which was launched in London this week, will roll out across the UK in September, offering a programme for 16-19 year-olds that combines boxing, coaching and fitness with an emphasis on education and gaining a range of qualifications.
Set up by MTK Global and with the Academy of Sports & Education, the programme can offer both BTEC and NVQ diplomas. It is open to anyone looking to pursue a career in boxing, either as a competitive boxer, or by becoming a coach, sports therapist, sports journalist, physical education teacher or other roles in sport.
“What is so crucial about this new mechanism is that it encourages youngsters to continue learning both inside and outside the ring,” Vaughan said. “Now, pursuing excellence as a boxer and continuing to study are no longer so mutually exclusive and we hope to continue to break down those barriers to aspiring fighters targeting self-improvements in a variety of areas.
“This is just the start of another positive strand of MTK Global and ties in with our work to affect change in as many communities as possible.”
Phil Ridgwell, the Academy of Sport and Education’s Boxing Ambassador, said one of the advantages of the programme was to help prevent young people getting involved in problems outside the ring.
“We are convinced that through this partnership, we can give young people the chance not only to forge a fantastic career in sport, but to keep them on the right track in what are challenging times for young people across the country,” he said. “We can’t wait to get started.”
To register an interest in the programme, visit www.mtkglobal.com and click on the “Academy” tab.