Box Sisterhood: Sport, Stories and Strong Role Models

Last week, Empire Fighting Chance was proud to host Growing our Sisterhood, part of our Box Sisterhood programme, an evening bringing together young women and girls for sport, connection and powerful conversation.

We were joined by young women from the Bristol Bears Foundation's Strive 25 programme, which helps support 18–25-year-olds facing barriers to employment, using sport and tailored mentoring to build confidence, develop skills and unlock pathways into work, education or training. As well as RedRock Consulting, who helped capture the evening and it's impact. The evening began on the gym floor, with Lily and Dalma kicking things off with a boxing session for the whole group, creating a supportive and energising space to try something new together. The Bristol Bears Foundation Strive 25  team then took over, leading rugby games and drills that brought plenty of teamwork, laughter and confidence-building moments.

To help everyone reset and wind down, Kirsten, Empire’s nutritionist, who is also a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, guided the group through core and breathing exercises. Focusing on regulation, wellbeing and learning how to slow things down both physically and mentally.

Throughout the evening, voices and experiences from the event were also captured by RedRock, helping to share the stories at the heart of the Sisterhood. This included interviews with Empire’s Head of Programmes Megan, alongside young women including Lily and Sabriin.

Learning from Women Who’ve Been There

Following the physical session, the group moved into a series of rotating panel discussions designed to give young women access to relatable role models and honest insight into different life and career journeys.

The first panel focused on Women in Sport, exploring representation, resilience and the realities of progressing in competitive environments. Speakers included Sarah Bern, Rugby World Cup champion, Kirsty Horner, Women and Girls Coordinator at the Bristol Bears Foundation, and Dalma Divinszki, Box Champions Coach and Amateur Boxing Lead at Empire Fighting Chance. Together, they shared their experiences of navigating sport as women and the importance of confidence, support networks and self-belief.

The Careers and Future Opportunities panel then shifted the focus beyond the pitch and gym, highlighting the wide range of pathways available and the value of transferable skills developed through sport and life. This discussion featured Rhiannon, who leads Operations and Commercial activity at Bristol Boxing Gym and Sanigar Events, Lisa Smith, Owner of Be The Change HR Consultancy, Daisy, Women’s General Manager at Bristol Bears, and Ellie Barnfield, Responsible Business Lead at Sanderson. Each speaker offered practical insight into their career journeys, challenges they had overcome and the different routes into their industries.

Wellbeing, Resilience and Redefining Failure

The Self-Care and Wellbeing panel centred on managing pressure, looking after mental health and building sustainable habits. Speakers included Elaine Miller, Clinical Lead at Empire Fighting Chance and a practising psychotherapist, Jess, a participant from the Strive 25 programme, Tabinda Rashid-Fadel, a Cardio Psychologist, and Kirsten Rees, Nutritionist, Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor. This conversation gave young women space to reflect on stress, expectations and the importance of taking care of both mind and body.

The Redefining Failure panel encouraged young women to see setbacks as part of growth rather than something to fear. Panellists spoke openly about challenges, mistakes and moments where things didn’t go to plan, and how those experiences shaped their confidence and direction. Speakers included Eleanor Sadler, Impact Manager at Empire Fighting Chance, Marlene McAllister and Lucy from Bristol City Council, Francesca, a Strive 25 participant and law firm supervisor, and Jessica and Beth, surveyors from Hartnell Taylor Cook.

NAVIGATING THE WORLD AS A WOMAN

The final discussion focused on navigating the world as a woman, and the struggles that come with that. Speakers included, Evie Gallagher and Meryl Smith, two Scottish internationals from Bristol Bears, Eiri-Wyn Pitman, Bristol Bears social media manager, Natalie, wildlife TV producer, Imogen Waite, co-owner of the Season + Taste Bristol restaurant chain, Victoria, managing director of a Bristol recruitment company and Lily, a member of the youth advisory board and a co-coach for our Box Sisterhood group.

More Than a Sports Session

Growing our Sisterhood is about more than sport. It’s about creating spaces where young women feel seen, supported and inspired, and where they can hear honest, relatable stories from women who have carved paths across sport, health, business and public service.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time, shared their experiences and spoke so openly and generously. Their honesty and encouragement helped create an environment where young women could ask questions, feel understood and begin to imagine bigger possibilities for themselves.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and openness to make the evening so impactful.

partner with us

Events like Growing the Sisterhood are only possible thanks to the support of partners who believe in creating brighter futures for young people.

If you’re a business or organisation that wants to join our incredible partners and help us expand opportunities for young women and young people across our programmes, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Get in touch with Emily at [email protected] to explore how you can support Empire Fighting Chance and make a real difference.