Former Community Trust Alternative Provision Programme student George O’Neill has won the England Boxing National 80kg title in Kettering.
O’Neill, who fights out of the Don Davis Boxing Academy in Lambeth, defeated Aidan Postma of Newark by three rounds to two.
O’Neill joined MCT’s AP Programme in 2023 as a Year 9 student from Bromley Beacon Academy.
“Seeing the change in George from Year 9 through to when he departed the programme in Year 11, has been nothing short of astounding,” Joey Taylor, MCT’s Alternative Provision Officer said on MCT’s website.
“George, like many of the young people we have on the programme, didn’t fit the mould of a student able to succeed in a mainstream school for numerous reasons. As his time with us elapsed, George bought into the programme and was quickly identified as a leader and a serious candidate to be a future employee.
“He has left the programme with a full Level 2 Qualification in Employability, a Level 1 Qualification in Fitness and Physical Activity, First Aid certificate and has acted as role model for the younger students we have on the programme, along with captaining our AP representative teams in tournaments.
“We would love to take all the credit for George’s success but ultimately this has been down to George and him realising his potential despite the barriers he has faced in his journey through education and life.
“We are extremely proud of George & cannot wait to see what the future holds for this inspiring young man.”
Lana, George’s mother, said: “George’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
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“He began his path at a behavioural school in Year 6 due to some challenges, but with the right support and guidance, everything started to change.
“As part of his Year 9 program, he joined the Millwall Community, where he discovered how to channel his energy and passion into something he truly enjoyed – football. From there, he went on to play for Croydon FC, becoming team captain, showing true leadership both on and off the pitch.
“In a short space of time, George also took up boxing – and it completely transformed him. His confidence grew, his focus sharpened and his behaviour improved in incredible ways.
“Today I couldn’t be prouder to say that George is the England Boxing National 80kg champion.
“Watching his growth and transformation has been amazing, and I’m so grateful to all the teachers, coaches, and mentors who supported him along the way.
“The future is bright for George – this is only the beginning.”
