FORMER World Champion Barry McGuigan opened his new boxing academy at Filton College on Tuesday.

Frampton Cotterell-based former WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Glenn Catley will be coaching at the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy (BMBA), which will provide boxing expertise to students alongside their full-time education at the College.

McGuigan said: “I was given a chance through sport to fulfil my potential as I grew up, and I want this programme to give other kids that chance.

“I have been very fortunate throughout my career and I’m delighted Filton College is behind this new programme.

“Currently there are close to one million young people nationwide not in education employment or training.

“I strongly believe that young people need help, someone to believe in them and find their own talents.

“That’s why the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy will make a difference to them as well as to those seeking the support to become world class competitors.”

“In these challenging times, there is an even greater need to give young people the belief and a vision to succeed.”

On establishing this partnership with McGuigan, Filton College has also gained the accolade of ABAE High Performance Centre.

This is in connection with the Amateur Boxing Association of England and means that it will be one of only six such centres in England which can deliver the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE).

This scheme is a unique full-time apprenticeship for those boxers who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence in the sport and are seeking to perform at the highest level as their main career goal.

It is aimed at 16-18 year olds, combining specific qualifications with up to 16 hours of coaching every week.

Catley said: “Filton College is nationally recognised for its leading and ground breaking sport provision and the successful combination of sport and further education.

“The AASE boxing programme at Filton College is a fantastic opportunity for up and coming boxers in England.

“I truly believe in the set up and values of the Bristol Academy of Sport. I will give my all as a coach; I’m looking for boxers to give the same in return.”

Filton College Principal, Kevin Hamblin, added: “Our Boxing Academy will support keen boxers who aspire to progress in the sport, but within this academy will be an elite AASE group that are already recognised as very able.

“Having two former-professional boxers involved will provide a unique opportunity for all students, elite or not, to gain from Barry and Glenn’s invaluable experiences.

“This is a tremendous step forward for boxing and a fantastic opportunity for local young boxers to make a career out of their talent.”