Shannon is boxing clever in her determination to work in the security sector thanks to help from The Prince’s Trust and UKSE.

Shannon, 21, is one of seven young people, aged between 16 and 25 taking part in one of Teesside's latest 12-week Prince’s Trust Team Programmes. 

Delivered by the Education Training Collective (Etc.), the programme provides support with job application and interview skills, a work placement, an outdoor residential week and other activities all aimed at helping participants get ready for their next steps in life. 

The Team chose to help the Wellington Boxing Club in Middlesbrough’s Albert Road as their community project.

After making a Dragon’s Den-style presentation to UKSE they won £2,500 to buy the paint and equipment needed to refurbish an additional room for the younger boxers. 

“The Team Programme has helped me improve some really valuable skills from teamwork to budgeting as well as boosting my confidence,” said Shannon, of Middlesbrough. “Speaking in public is a challenge for me and doing the presentation was such a helpful experience.”

Sharon Turley of UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary, said: “The Team did exceptionally well with their presentation. UKSE is a long-standing supporter of these programmes on Teesside as they help many younger people in our area into employment and training.”

Michael Debnath, Head Coach alongside John Pearce at the Wellington Boxing Club, said: “The support we have had from The Prince’s Trust Team and UKSE has been a massive help as financing a Club like this is never easy.   We can’t thank them all enough.

“The room was in a poor state of repair and is part of a listed building.   The Team worked so hard, did a marvellous job and we now have an extra boxing ring in use.”

The Club draws members of all ages including beginners and those who just want to keep fit right up to national title holders.

UKSE’s Community Support Fund has now donated more than £340,000 to a wide range of community projects in Teesside, including many Prince’s Trust Team Programmes, that improve life for people living in their steel areas.

PICTURE CAPTION:  UKSE’s Sharon Turley (front) with Prince’s Trust Team members and leaders and Wellington Boxing Club coaches