Boxing, Belonging, and Breaking Down Barriers
What learners share with us about the importance of feeling seen and supported, and what educators tell us about their work to build more inclusive communities, reminds us just how powerful belonging can be.
Belonging is the foundation of learning, but not every young person has the chance to experience it. Rachel Morris MBE has made it her mission to change that – through sport.
I first got to know Rachel at our local boxing club. A fellow member and now a good friend, she was one of the many who made me feel welcome when I stepped into the gym as a nervous newbie all those years ago.
Since then, I’ve been fortunate to learn more about her work and to see firsthand the positive impact she has on the young people she supports.
Sport = community
Most weeks, Rachel arrives at the session to train with a teen in tow, ready to introduce them to a new sport and a new community.
Rachel is a Paralympic gold medallist, Mental Health Practitioner, Disability Sports Coach, and a self-proclaimed Chaos Creator – a nod to her unique approach to challenging systems and changing lives.
Rachel had noticed that a considerable number of local young people, including those with disabilities and those facing barriers to education, were spending long periods at home, feeling disconnected from their peers. Additionally, they often felt excluded from extracurricular activities such as sports and societies, leaving them with limited opportunities to belong to a community.
“With my experience, I knew I could connect these groups,” Rachel explained. “I work with students, schools and sports clubs to facilitate conversations, advise on inclusion, and help young people re-engage with education, sport, and community life so they feel part of something again.”
Rachel is proof of how life-changing sport can be, having won Paralympic gold in handcycling at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games, before switching sports and claiming another gold in rowing at the Rio 2016 Games. Those achievements fuel her determination to open doors for others.
“Many of these young people had never been given the chance to access sport. They've either been told they can't, or they've told themselves they can't. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that this word isn't in my vocabulary!”
Confidence grows in safe spaces
Rachel works with patience and persistence. She takes time to understand each young person and their circumstances before exploring sports with them to find an activity that feels right. Rowing, boxing, martial arts, running – she creates pathways and safe spaces that may not otherwise exist.
She is with each young person every step of the way; arriving with them, training alongside them, and leaving with them. She does this until they’ve found their feet and can go it alone. And if it’s not the right time, she simply keeps going. “It’s a bit like being a parent,” she tells me. “You can feel when they’re almost ready to go it alone.
I take small steps to see what works and what doesn’t, always respecting each person’s needs and boundaries,” Rachel explains. “They soon realise I’m not giving up,” she laughs. “I can be pretty annoying, but it’s because I know they can do it. Sometimes you need someone else to believe in you and give you a gentle nudge out of your comfort zone.”
Boxing, I admit to her, was definitely out of mine. She laughs: “You have to do things that scare you – you get a huge sense of achievement from it. Also, something like boxing allows you to learn discipline, teamwork, confidence in communication, and mutual respect – skills that matter just as much outside the ring.”
The impact of belonging
Rachel recalls one particular young person she worked alongside who had a range of support needs. Her experiences had left her feeling isolated and uncertain about re-joining group activities. With gentle support, Rachel helped her explore sport at her own pace, and soon saw what she describes as “monumental” changes.
“At first, she was very anxious and not at all convinced about joining a group exercise class. But after a few months, I started to see a difference. She became bolder and braver – laughing, joking, and even joining in with the friendly banter. That sense of belonging is powerful.”
The young person’s hard work and effort in every session built greater confidence and self-belief, ultimately leading her to go to university and even travel. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of what she’s achieved,” Rachel says.
Even something as simple as pulling on a team t-shirt or hoodie can transform self-esteem. “You’re part of something,” Rachel adds. “You only realise how important that is when you’ve been excluded from it.”
For Rachel, this is what true access looks like: not just offering sessions, but actively reaching out to young people, and being there for them every step of the way.
Beyond the sidelines
That sense of belonging is especially vital in a world where many young people live more online than offline. “Technology absolutely has its place,” Rachel explains, “and anxiety is real, but confidence grows when you can experience things for yourself in a supportive environment rather than just watching from the sidelines. Sport gives young people that chance: to discover what they’re capable of and to learn essential social skills.”
She also stresses the importance of movement for regulation. “Sitting still all day is hard for many young people, and for some it’s impossible. Movement dissipates energy, reduces stress, and helps you reset. It helps hugely if it’s encouraged and built into the daily routine.”
Someone in your corner
Rachel’s mission is clear: “to get kids starting and staying in sport.” Clubs are becoming more inclusive, but the biggest barrier is often simply showing up – walking through the door for the first time or finding the motivation to keep going when progress feels slow.
“Having a buddy helps,” she says. “There needs to be more people bridging the gap, reaching more young people, and supporting them to feel part of their community again.”
For young people who’ve been told – or have come to believe – that they can’t, sport provides proof that they can. It builds confidence, resilience and belonging in ways that ripple into every part of life.
Rachel never accepts that the door is closed. If something isn’t working, she’ll find another route.
As I hear her say often, “There has to be another way.”