Since launching in February, the Moves Different sessions at Splott Adventure ABC have already delivered impressive early results, with five boxers successfully completing Round 1 of their Foundations Award.
The sessions have quickly established themselves as a consistent, structured environment where young people can build confidence, improve fitness, and develop boxing skills at their own pace. Coaches have been particularly encouraged by the attitude and commitment shown across the group, with steady progress evident week by week.
Sasha, one of the coaches delivering the sessions, has told us this:
“It’s been 12 weeks since we started the Moves Different “programme and so far we have had a great response from the individuals that have been referred to us. We’ve noticed many changes amongst the group already including increased confidence and skill levels.
Myself and Darren are looking forward to welcoming more individuals to a great club Splott adventure ABC. Something about this just ‘moves different’.”
Alongside this progress, one participant is now preparing for a major milestone in their journey, with a place on an upcoming club show where they will take part in a showcase sparring bout. This is a significant step that reflects both personal development and the wider impact of the programme.
The young people on the programme have nothing but praise for the sessions so far.
“What I’ve enjoyed about the boxing sessions is how welcoming everybody is and how supportive the coaches are of everybody that attends” TJ, 17.
“The boxing sessions have really built up my self-respect, self-esteem and confidence. I feel better when I’m training” AR, 18.
With Foundations Award success now secured for several boxers, attention is turning to the next stage of their development as they prepare to complete medical assessments and move towards controlled sparring for the first time.
Moves Different is a nationwide crime prevention and research initiative designed to explore how boxing can support young people aged 13–18 and reduce the likelihood of involvement in youth crime. The programme offers free boxing sessions or gym access to those identified as being at risk, providing structure, discipline, and a positive outlet through sport. It is a joint initiative between England Boxing and Welsh Boxing, supported by the Youth Endowment Fund, with research and evaluation led by the Ending Youth Violence Lab.
At its core, the project is about creating opportunity through sport, using boxing not only to develop physical skills but to build confidence, routine, and aspiration in young people who may not otherwise have access to structured pathways like this.
The sessions continue to grow in impact and importance within the club, offering a supportive environment where participants can push forward both inside and outside the ring. Participants are already keen to extend their training beyond the six month programme.
Head coach, James Mwashigallah, had this to say:
“The Move Different project has been absolutely fantastic for both the community and the club. It’s achieving exactly what we hoped for — the young people taking part are really enjoying the programme, the coaches are fully engaged, and the club as a whole has benefited enormously.”
With strong foundations already in place and further milestones ahead, momentum is building at Splott Adventure ABC, and the future for the Moves Different group looks increasingly promising.
If you know a Young Person aged 13-18 who would benefit from an opportunity like this, contact fran.russell@welshboxing.org to find out more.