As a boxer, Les Welsh became the youngest Level 3 coach to ever qualify in our county, and shortly after that, the only Level 4 coach in the country. On Friday, our Year 7 students benefitted from his years of experience and words of wisdom when he spoke to them about the principles of boxing and how these develop good character.
Through their Boxing Well initiative at the Empire School, Les and his wife Margaret support young people who have experienced bullying, but also those who have been bullies. Les spoke about how both parties in bullying are struggling, and how both can benefit from the ideals he instils through his coaching: something he sums up as ‘good person first; good boxer second.’
As we focus on relationships education this half term, we are incredibly grateful to Les for showing us that the toughest person in the room is not the one who can defeat others, but the one who stands up for them. The admiration our students had for him was clear to see, and he made sure they understood that this respect stemmed not from the belts and trophies he has won, but from the character it took to win them.
