In June, Welsh Boxing welcomed key referral partners and stakeholders to the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff for “Moves Different: The Difference You’ve Made,” a celebration of partnership, impact, and the young people whose lives are being positively influenced through the project.
The event provided an opportunity to thank partners for their continued commitment to Moves Different, share the impact of the project so far, and strengthen the relationships that help young people access positive opportunities through boxing and access to local gyms.
Representatives attended from Cardiff Youth Justice Service, South Wales Police, Cardiff and Vale College, Cardiff Youth Service, Ethnic Minority Support Group, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and Safer Communities Wales. Their referrals and collaboration have played a vital role in ensuring that the young people of Cardiff have access to this amazing opportunity.
A highlight of the afternoon was the chance for referral partners to talk directly to coaches delivering sessions. Coaches from Splott Adventure and Tiger Bay Boxing Club shared first-hand insights into the progress being made by young people attending the programme, providing valuable examples of the positive impact being achieved.
Guests also received updates on the project’s boxing and gym-based activities, heard feedback from participants, and learned about plans to further develop and expand the programme in the future.
Fran Russell, Project Lead for Wales, said:
“It was brilliant to have the opportunity to bring some of our key referral partners together in one room to celebrate the success of the project so far and thank them for their continued support.
Projects like Moves Different rely on strong partnerships that we build with those in a position to refer young people. Events like this are important because they allow us to share successes, strengthen those relationships, and work together to ensure even more young people can access support in the future.”
The event also coincided with a landmark week for the project, with Moves Different reaching 500 young people referred across England and Wales since the programme began. The milestone reflects the collective efforts of referral partners, clubs, and staff at England Boxing and Welsh Boxing, who continue to work together to create positive opportunities for young people.
Looking ahead, the project is preparing to enter its efficacy phase towards the end of next year, with plans to expand delivery into new areas across Wales. Work is already underway to build relationships with boxing clubs, gyms, local authorities, youth services and community organisations to ensure the project can reach even more young people who may benefit from its support.
Welsh Boxing would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the event, as well as the organisations, coaches and partners who continue to support the project throughout the year.
As the project prepares to expand into new areas across Wales, we look forward to welcoming new partnerships and working together to create even more opportunities for young people in our communities.