Investing in People: Jen’s Journey from the Gym Floor to the Future of Youth Work

At Empire Fighting Chance, we believe in investing not only in young people, but also in our staff and coaches, because when our team grows, our impact grows too.

Today, we’re celebrating the journey of Jen, one of our dedicated Community Outreach Coaches, who’s taking an exciting new step in her professional development by starting a Youth Work course at college, with plans to go on to university next year.

 

From the Floor of the Gym to a Future in Youth Work

At just 20 years old, Jen’s connection with Empire Fighting Chance goes back to her own experience as a young person. After being kicked out of college, she joined a Prince’s Trust programme designed to help young people get back into education or employment. One day a week, that programme brought her to Empire, and it was here, through boxing and mentoring, that she began to rebuild her confidence and direction.

“That’s where it all started,” Jen says. “I found something I loved and realised I wanted to help young people like me.”

With her tutor’s support, Jen discovered an apprenticeship opportunity at Empire Fighting Chance. She applied, joined the team, and after 18 months of hard work, was offered a permanent role by CEO and Co-Founder Martin Bisp. Three years later, she’s a key part of our community outreach, operations, and coaching work, helping other young people find their own purpose and power.

 

Why Jen Loves Working with Young People

As a Community Outreach Coach, Jen plays a vital role in supporting sessions across the gym and the community. She helps raise awareness of our programmes through outreach, fundraising, and partnership work, while also getting hands-on in the gym, coaching and mentoring.

“What I love most is seeing young people reach their full potential and realise how far they’ve come,” Jen shares. “When they trust you enough to open up, knowing they’ve got someone there for them, it means a lot to me. I was once one of those young people who needed that trust, and now I get to be that person for someone else, and it reminds me how powerful it is to have someone in your corner.”

 

Stepping Up: Studying Youth Work

Now, Jen is adding a new layer to her learning by enrolling in a Youth Work qualification. This step builds on her experience and reflects her drive to understand more about how to best support young people.

“I want to gain more qualifications in the work I do and really understand what we can do for young people and our communities,” she explains.

Her studies will deepen her understanding of safeguarding, community engagement, and professional practice, all skills that will feed directly back into her coaching and mentoring.

 

Looking Ahead

Once she completes her course, Jen hopes to continue her studies at university, focusing on young people’s development and how to empower them to thrive.

“In the future, I’d love to work with more communities across Bristol, helping young people strive for what they want,” Jen says. “I want to graduate in something I’m passionate about and keep growing alongside the young people I support.”

 

Why This Matters

At Empire, we know that when we invest in our people, we strengthen everything we do. Jen’s journey, from a young person on a Prince’s Trust course, to a valued member of our team, to a future youth work professional, embodies the spirit of Empire Fighting Chance: resilience, growth, and giving others a real fighting chance.

 

Want to Support Our Team and Their Development?

Our coaches, mentors, and staff are the heartbeat of our mission. By donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our story, you can help us invest in their growth, and by extension, the growth of every young person they support.

 

👉 Together, we’re giving young people a real fighting chance.