Our Hammersmith and Fulham College Boxing Academy has been officially launched for 2017-18 with the announcement that Charlie Magri will be joining as the academy’s newest coach.
The academy launch was held at the TASTE Restaurant and saw representatives from England Boxing and London Sport, as well as special guests, come together to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year for Hammersmith Boxing.
Charlie is a former WBC and Lineal Flyweight Champion, as well as a former ABA British Flyweight Champion. He joins a highly experienced coaching team overseen by Richard Powers from England Boxing.
The Boxing Academy combines full-time boxing training with vocational qualifications for students aged 16-18, providing a professional environment for them to reach their full potential while working towards a nationally recognised academic qualification.
Richard Powers and Lenny Hagland, Chairman for London Boxing, also presented the Boxing Academy programme and the work the students do in the community through the British Lionhearts in the Community project. Over the last few years, the academy has taken boxing to the community through its mobile ring and has been honoured at both the London Sport Awards and House of Commons.
Charlie Magri was thrilled to be joining the Hammersmith Boxing Academy. He said: “I never had anything like the Boxing Academy at West London College in my day. I used to love training and being advised on how to improve; it’s all about practice so when you’ve got an academy like this it’s fantastic.”
College Principal, Janet Gardner, was excited to be on hand to support the launch, saying: “It is really inspiring to see how the Hammersmith Boxing Academy at West London College positively impacts the lives of the next generation of boxers, coaches, club managers, judges and personal trainers. Our partnership with England Boxing offers the students an invaluable stepping stone to their future.”
Not only will students on the Academy programme gain a Sports & Fitness qualification but they will also have access to a large range of benefits, such as undertaking the England Boxing Level 1 Assistant Coaches course, England BOX Personal Trainer course, England Boxing Leaders Award, Judges & Officials course, DBS certificate and work experience with World Series Boxing and London Boxing.
Alex Walburn, Sports Academy & Development Coordinator, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the Boxing Academy at West London College. We’re thrilled to have Charlie Magri on board; it’s an exciting time at the college as the academy continues to grow.”