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Andrew's Journey at Empire Fighting Chance
Andrew first walked through the doors of Empire when he was just eight years old.
Like many young people who find their way to the gym, he started out attending one-to-one Box Champions sessions with coaches Nojus and Dalma, as well as also joining the Box Juniors class. Before long, he had become a familiar face, not just because he showed up consistently, but because of the attitude he brought with him.
Andrew's just turned 14 and he's still a huge part of life at Empire. If you walk into The Ranch on a Friday, one of our satellite sites, there’s a good chance you’ll see him there, sometimes joining in, sometimes helping run parts of the warm-up, and often supporting coaches with pad work. The transition has happened naturally over time: from being one of the youngest in the room to someone younger participants now look up to.
During school holidays, Andrew spends much of his time at the gym, helping wherever he can. Whether it’s supporting sessions, tidying up the space, welcoming people through the door or proudly explaining what Empire is about, he brings the same energy and pride to the role every time.
“I started at Empire Fighting Chance when I was 8 years old because of my cousin, Serena Wiebe. Since then, it’s given me so many great opportunities and memories.”
Those opportunities have stretched far beyond the gym. Through Empire, Andrew has been exposed to experiences that have helped shape his ambitions for the future. One standout moment came when he had the chance to spend time around the incredible Bristol Bears Rugby Team, stepping into that environment, meeting professional players and seeing first-hand what life in elite sport can look like.
“One of my favourite memories was going to a Bristol Bears match, where I met the players and toured the stadium.”
Experiences like this have played a big role in shaping Andrew’s aspirations, and he now dreams of becoming a professional rugby player himself one day. We’re hugely grateful to our corporate partner RedRock, whose support made this collaboration possible and opened the door for young people like Andrew to see what their futures could hold.
But alongside those ambitions is something equally important to him: giving back.
Andrew already plays a role in helping others at Empire. He’s supported Summer Hubs with Coach Serena, helped out at community events, and played a part in Empire’s first Black History Month event. He’s even had the confidence to speak directly to Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy about the challenges young people face in their communities.
Whenever Andrew talks about Empire, the pride he feels in being part of the Empire family is clear.
“They’ve given me amazing male role models like Jamie Sanigar, Martin Bisp and Chris Sanigar, who’ve helped me grow in and out of the gym.”
That pride runs both ways. Andrew’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when young people are given space to grow, opportunities to explore their potential, and a community that believes in them.
"The first time I met Andrew he was very quiet and lacked confidence or the ability to really believe in himself. Week by week, after attending to each session, I could see that confidence growing in him and watched him challenge himself in different activities. By the end of the programme, Andrew's self belief, confidence and discipline had sky rocketed, and he now walks around the gym with a smile, encouraging others and isn’t afraid to try new things." - Coach Nojus
Now proudly featured on the front page of Empire’s new Impact Book, Andrew continues to show up, step up and support those around him, embodying the spirit of Empire every day.
“It’s a real honour to be on the front page of Empire’s new Impact Book, and I’m proud to be part of the Empire Family as I continue to get older.”
Andrew is already becoming the kind of young leader others can follow. And while his journey at Empire is still unfolding, one thing is clear: the future holds exciting things ahead.
We can’t wait to see where it takes him.