DiSE Boxing Academy

If you’re a talented boxer with the potential to progress as a future England and GB international, our DiSE programme is ideal for you.

We are the only college in the North East, and one of only six in the country, to offer England Boxing’s educational programme aimed at elite boxers. The Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) supports talented and committed young boxers aged 16 to 19. You’ll have the opportunity to train and compete while also studying a full-time qualification in sport or any other subject, including A Levels or a vocational course.

On the successful completion of the two-year programme, you’ll achieve 64 UCAS points in addition to the points from your main study programme.

DiSE is part of England Boxing’s long-term athlete development pathway and you’ll train 12 hours a week with our expert coach, Gavin Rickelton. The 12 hours contact time with the DiSE coach will involve high performance coaching, strength and conditioning and completing the Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence.

To apply for our DiSE programme, you need to:

Be aged between 16 and 19
Show or have the potential to become, elite level
Be registered with an England Boxing-affiliated club only

To find out more about the England Boxing DiSE programme, please click here.

During my time at college, I won 3 regional titles, reached a national semi-final and a final. I now work with schools as a boxing development officer and help run a local boxing club.

Liam Kelly Boxing Development Officer, Consett YMCA

DiSE Boxing Coach

Gavin Rickleton

Gavin has over 20 years’ experience in amateur boxing. He started his boxing journey competing for Grainger Park Boys Club in the West End of Newcastle.

After graduating with a 1^st class honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Sunderland, he moved into the role of an England Boxing Coach.

He has been coaching since 2010 and is currently a Level 3 England Boxing Coach. Gavin has coached in boxing clubs across the North East including North Benwell ABC, Gateshead Victoria, Forest Hall Boxing Club and he is currently coaching out of Kenton ABC at the TKO Gym in Newcastle.

Gavin recently became an England Boxing Development Coach and will be coaching on their Performance Pathway, supporting the Performance Team with national and international duties.

Gavin has worked under some of the region’s top coaches and has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Roll of Honour

Cyrus Pattinson – GB Podium Boxer and Professional Boxer
Joe Laws – English Champion and Professional Boxer
Megan Bainbridge – European Silver Medallist
Jacob Sharman – National Youth Champion
Beau Pape – National Development Champion
Liam Huntley – MTK Box Cup Champion
Zoe Macdonald - National Junior Development Champion, 2 times National Youth Development Champion & MTK Box Cup Champion
George Peacock - 3 times MTK Box Cup Champion and National Finalist in the National Junior Championships
Jacee Barkel - Gold Medallist WKO World Kickboxing Championships
Dionne Mannion - England Talent Pathway boxer and National Junior Champion