Services and history

I’m Ben Smith, head coach at Harrogate Boxing Club. I’ve been involved with the gym for the last 18 years, since I first started boxing here at 10 years old. From the moment I walked in, I was hooked. Boxing helped me lose weight, build confidence, and find direction when I was at school — it played a massive part in shaping who I am today.

I boxed competitively for a number of years before an injury stopped me from continuing, which led me into coaching. I’m now 28 years old, a Professional Boxing Coach, and hold both England Boxing Level 2 and Level 3 Performance Coaching qualifications — I was one of the youngest coaches to achieve both. I’ve also been fortunate enough to spend time helping out with England Boxing squads, training alongside some of the country’s top amateur boxers, which was a great learning experience.

I boxed competitively for a number of years before an injury stopped me from continuing, which led me into coaching. I’m now 28 years old, a Professional Boxing Coach, and hold both England Boxing Level 2 and Level 3 Performance Coaching qualifications — I was one of the youngest coaches to achieve both. I’ve also been fortunate enough to spend time helping out with England Boxing squads, training alongside some of the country’s top amateur boxers, which was a great learning experience.

Before taking over the gym around six years ago, I spent time coaching in Rwanda with Kigali Life Boxing Club, working alongside Coach Charles Muvinyi and former world title challenger David Basajamivulle. I also coached across Kenya, in gyms in Juja and Nakuru. Those experiences had a big impact on how I coach and how I see the role boxing can play in people’s lives.

I like to think that I put people at ease when they first come into the gym and tailor approaches to training & coaching so that you get the best out of your time with us! Whether you're brand new or a seasoned pro - I try to treat everybody with respect and manners and try to foster that culture in the gym. I'm lucky to work with a whole host of people across many different backgrounds from the young people in PRU's / alterative provsions to people in our recovery and homeless session going through a tough time - you never know what somebody is going through so its nice to be nice. I have been obsessed with boxing from a young age and dedicated my life to this gym and coaching trying to figure out each style & approach to training. Everyday is a learning day but I feel like after 18 years in boxing i've picked up a good understanding and skill set in coaching and feel that you can see this with the standard of boxers we have boxing for our club!