AMATEURS
Joe Gallagher’s school and programme for amateur boxers is up and running
The Joe Gallagher Academy
JOE GALLAGHER is a highly successful professional trainer. He coaches reigning world champion Callum Smith, as well as former titlists Anthony Crolla, Liam Smith and many more. But he remains closely in touch with the amateur sport and last year launched the Joe Gallagher Academy, an institution for teenagers that combines boxing training with academic education.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Joe said. “It’s in the Harpurhey area of Manchester which is not the best area so it’s great that they have that facility there to bring kids in and get them to try and improve themselves and get them to be a shining light in the area.
“It’s all come from when I was at Moss Side ABC and at Champs Camp and the amount fighters that came through the door at Champs Camp, they had a scheme there at the time quite similar.”
“They’re not all national champions, they’re people who have had one fight, two fights and that’s what’s it’s for. It’s getting kids education, where at school just because they didn’t get the qualifications doesn’t mean they’re a failure in life. They might be good at boxing. Who am I to turn round and say you’re not going to be anything because you didn’t get any GCSE grade A, B and Cs? That isn’t what life is about. If we can give children an opportunity with something that they love doing, boxing and incorporate that with a BTEC qualification that they’ll leave this programme with, then brilliant,” Gallagher continued. “They’ll come out of it better students as well, understanding the boxing game better and what it takes to be a top class elite boxer or professional boxer or an amateur boxer in general. The work ethic, the morals, discipline, the dedication and the respect that they develop on this course is going to stand them in life going forward.
“Not necessarily all kids on it will end up being boxers, some might go on to become a PT, a strength and conditioning trainer or go on to do something else. That’s a fantastic result.”
Tony Chandler and Elliot Dillon are the coaches at the Academy, with Gallagher closely involved with the programme. Joe said, “What this does is help them get that one on one time, especially with great coaches like them two. I’m really pleased with the work that they’re doing. I’m always in touch with Tony and Elliot and they’re always telling me what the kids are doing.”
“Callum Smith, when he won the World Boxing Super Series, he came down the next week, he showed all the students his belts, his trophies. We’ve had Anthony Crolla come down,” Gallagher said. “We’ve done pad sessions, we’ve done training sessions with them.
“I’m really excited about the numbers and the enquiries that we’ve had for next year [starting in September]. I think it’s just going to grow and grow.”
‘IT’S GREAT THAT THEY BRING IN KIDS TO TRY TO IMPROVE THEMSELVES’