OUR COACHES

Level 2 Coach - Club Founder & Club Secretary

When Did You First Get Into Boxing?
I first started boxing at Birch Green A.B.C. in the late 1970s under the guidance of Joe O'Brien. Over the following years, I competed in around 100 bouts, winning 75.
After joining the Royal Marines, I won four CSBA titles, reached the English ABA semi-finals three times, and went on to box for England, reaching the ranking of #4 in the country.

Favourite Boxer, Past & Present?
Marvin Hagler & Katie Taylor

Best Thing About Birch Green A.B.C.?
I love hearing the positive feedback from the people of Skelmersdale about our club, and how it continues to help the kids of our town just as it has since first opening in 1975. After coaching kids for over 37 years, it is always great to hear from adults telling me about how their experiences boxing at the club in their youth changed their lives for the better and helped them grow into positive, respectful and well-disciplined people.

Level 2 and Head Coach

When Did You First Get Into Boxing?
I first started boxing at 12 years old at Skem A.B.C. under the watchful eye of Colin Day!

Favourite Boxer, Past & Present?
Sugar Ray Robinson & Canelo Álvarez

Best Thing About Birch Green A.B.C.?
The club has a real community and family spirit. The dedication and passion of the coaches is amazing and watching the kids grow, improve and achieve their goals is fantastic and highly rewarding!

Level 1 Coach

When Did You First Get Into Boxing?
I first got into boxing in the late 1970s under the stewardship of Joe O'Brien at Birch Green A.B.C. I boxed there for three years before joining the Royal Marines in 1980 and continuing my boxing career for the Marines and Royal Navy.

Favourite Boxer, Past & Present?
Roberto Duran & Canelo Álvarez

Best Thing About Birch Green A.B.C.?
It has been incredibly rewarding to watch the positive changes in everyone who enters the gym, and to see their abilities and confidence grow over time. It gives me immense pride and pleasure to see the kids develop and do well.

Level 1 Coach

When Did You Get Involved With Boxing?
I first started getting involved in boxing in 1993 and had my first bout in 1995. I lost my first bout, but went on to have a further 28 bouts, with a record of 16 wins and 12 losses.

Favourite Boxer, Past & Present?
Miguel Cotto & Artur Beterbiev

Best Thing About Birch Green A.B.C.?
It’s a family unit—I love seeing our boxers’ friends and families making the effort to support all the boxers and following the club home and away! I really enjoy being able to be part of helping so many people within the community.

Level 1 Coach / Club Funding & Support / Club Welfare Officer

When Did You First Get Into Boxing?
At the age of 10, then competitively for Gallagher Boys club at the age of 12-16. I then went on to box for the Royal Engineers during my time in the Army and also a year selected for the Army team in 1994. my career in the public sector has enabled me to get involved in amateur boxing again by supporting the club in applying for funding and the development of community engagement projects that help to create a more sustainable future

Favourite Boxer, Past & Present?
Barry McGuigan & Vasiliy Lomachenko

Best Thing About Birch Green A.B.C.?
The passion, personal sacrifices and dedication of the coaches and young people to build a club everyone in the community can be proud of.