A CHAMPION boxer has been delivering knockout messages to boost aspirations among school children. GB coach and former European and World title contender Amanda Coulson told students at Haughton Academy, Darlington, how boxing had changed her life. The Hartlepool boxer visited the academy as part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport initiative, which is designed to help young people develop life skills needed to help them succeed. Sessions concentrated on mental toughness, hunger to achieve, people skills, breaking barriers, planning for success and sports and life knowledge. “When I was young I wasn’t going anywhere and didn’t have any dreams, goals or aspirations,” she told Year 7-9 students. “I was just existing but boxing changed my life. I now have confidence and self-belief. Everyone has the potential to succeed in life.” She told them how she had started fighting at a boy’s club where she was shown no favours. She was the first to arrive and the last to leave and won her first fight after just 45 seconds. “Once I had conquered by nerves, I enjoyed the feeling sport gives you and the winning,” she said. Amanda won 60 fights and lost 21. “If you fail you learn from your mistakes, in fact you learn more from a defeat than a win,” she said. Students also took part in boxing sessions taking it in turns to wear the gloves and boxing pads. Amanda said: “I’m really pleased with how the students performed. You could see their confidence growing within minutes.” Teacher Liane Miller said: “Amanda’s story is inspirational and shows our students how anyone can achieve their dreams with the right motivation. The impact of the sessions was very powerful.”
