Empire Fighting Chance’s story began eighteen years ago from the Empire Amateur Boxing Club when founders Martin and Jamie spotted two young men dealing drugs in a park near to their gym in inner city Bristol.
They decided to tackle their behaviour by inviting them for a private training session. Both enjoyed it and turned up the following week with a few friends.
Within six weeks 50 young people were attending sessions five nights a week. Over time they have evolved from a small boxing project into a national charity using a pioneering approach that harnesses the power of sport.
Empire now directly supports approximately 3,500 young people each year. Empire’s work gives young people the skills, knowledge, and inspiration they need to make positive changes to how they think and behave and to improve their lives.
Despite the chronic adversity they face, they return to school, exit gangs, develop positive relationships, get work, and feel healthier and happier.