Welsh Boxing Appoints Five New Community Activators to Drive Grassroots Engagement

Welsh Boxing is proud to announce the appointment of five new Community Activators, who will lead the delivery of introductory boxing programmes and engagement activities across Wales.

The new team members are:

  • Geraint Thomas – Gwent and North Valleys

  • Wesley Jones – North West Wales

  • Nigel Brett – North East Wales

  • Angelo Dragone – West Wales

  • Jamie David – South Wales

These appointments mark an exciting step in Welsh Boxing’s commitment to growing participation, widening access, and showcasing the wider benefits of the sport to diverse communities.

A New Role with a Big Impact

The Community Activator positions are part-time but pivotal. Their focus will be to:

  • Deliver fun, engaging boxing sessions to new audiences.

  • Promote the physical, social, and health benefits of boxing.

  • Support the introduction of boxing to underrepresented groups, including women and girls.

  • Build relationships with schools, community organisations, and local partners.

  • Collect evidence on participation and impact to help secure long-term sustainability of these roles.

This role builds on Welsh Boxing’s strategic commitment to inclusion, community health, and long-term development of the sport.

Meet the Activators

Geraint Thomas – Gwent and North Valleys
A well-respected community leader, Geraint has combined his career in local government with a lifelong passion for sport. A qualified boxing coach and former rugby player and coach, he has been instrumental in grassroots development across The Valleys. His background in leadership and community regeneration brings valuable expertise to the role.

Wesley Jones – North West Wales
With more than 20 years of experience in grassroots coaching, Wesley has guided athletes from local level to national and international competition. As Head Coach at Dyffryn ABC and a long-time personal trainer, he has a proven track record in youth development, school outreach, and community sport partnerships.

Nigel Brett – North East Wales
Nigel joins the team as a highly motivated coach of Evolution ABC with strong local links and a passion for using boxing to inspire communities. He has been active within his region, developing pathways for young people and promoting the sport as a positive outlet.

Angelo Dragone – West Wales
Founder and Head Coach of Stallion ABC in Llanelli, Angelo has already made a significant mark by producing Welsh champions and organising Wales’ first female sparring event. Through his Stallion Hub Community Interest Company, he has pioneered school programmes and community projects that use boxing as a tool for personal and social development.

Jamie David – South Wales
Jamie brings both ‘lived’ experience and professional qualifications to his new role. A personal trainer, volunteer coach at Tiger Bay ABC, and founder of a popular boxing fitness class in Cardiff, he has been involved in the sport for more than 15 years. With a BSc in Sports, Fitness and Coaching, he is passionate about using boxing to inspire confidence and wellbeing.

Welsh Boxing’s Vision

Speaking about the appointments, Gareth Evans, Head of Community Boxing, said:

“We’re delighted to appoint Geraint, Jamie, Wes, Nigel and Angelo and have them as part of the community team. It’s an exciting time and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact they can have across a range of communities, showcasing the wider positive impact that boxing can bring. They are all passionate individuals, having been involved with the sport for a number of years, and I know that they are eager to get started.”

The creation of these roles highlights Welsh Boxing’s ongoing commitment to broadening participation by making the sport more accessible to disadvantaged groups. At the same time, the initiative places a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing, using boxing as a tool to improve both physical fitness and mental resilience.

Cameron Hitt