Empire at Boxing All Party Parliamentary Group in Westminster

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A powerful afternoon in Westminster saw voices from across sport, academia and community come together to advocate for boxing as a frontline defence against youth violence.

Empire Fighting Chance and Matchroom in the Community continued its commitment to driving social change through sport with an appearance at the latest All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Boxing, hosted at Portcullis House in Westminster.

The cross-party group – made up of MPs, sector leaders and grassroots organisations – gathered to explore the vital role boxing can play in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing young people today, including knife crime, antisocial behaviour and youth violence.

Alongside our partners we presented a shared vision for boxing as a catalyst for positive transformation, particularly in underserved communities.

The session was attended by the Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society & Youth, Stephanie Peacock MP – and featured contributions from a wide range of stakeholders working at the intersection of sport, justice, education and public health.

Others taking part in the event included Lord Marvin Rees, former Mayor of Bristol; Ben Eckett of Be Inspired Croydon ; Professor Rosie Meek, Policy Fellow at Royal Holloway and the Ministry of Justice and Dr Holly Collinson-Randall, a leading academic from Loughborough University specialising in the links between sport and youth violence.

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    The Boxing All Party Parliamentary Group in Westminster discussing the vital role the sport can play in tackling youth violence.

Empire Fighting Chance CEO Martin Bisp said: “We are proud to see Empire and our partners at Matchroom in the Community and Be Inspired the latest APPG discussing knife crime. Boxing has a vital role to play in tackling the issue and should be championed for the social difference it makes.

We know it reaches communities that traditional institutions can’t and we also know it helps young people exit gangs and put down knives. It is great to see this being recognised in parliament.”

Alex Le Guével from our partners Matchroom in the Community added : “Through our groundbreaking partnerships with Empire Fighting Chance and Streetgames we are investing in programmes that blend boxing, mentoring and education to create new opportunities for young people at risk.

These initiatives are rooted in prevention – not punishment – and help equip young people with the confidence, resilience and life skills they need to make more positive choices and avoid pathways into violence.”

Read more about our policy work with Parliament  here.