Kerry Norfolk: England Boxing Female Coach of the Year 2025
Kerry Norfolk, a notable boxing coach in Norwich, has recently been recognized as the England Boxing Female Coach of the Year for 2025. With a focus on utilizing her personal journey through addiction, she aims to guide young individuals in making constructive life choices.
Thrive Boxing Team
Leading the Thrive Boxing Team at Kickstop in Norwich, she not only teaches the sport but also offers pivotal support to her students beyond the boxing ring. In her own words, Norfolk emphasizes the importance of sharing her experiences:
“I use that lived experience to educate others, showing children and young people that change is possible, no matter how far you’ve fallen.”
Founded in 2023, Thrive Boxing Team is committed to helping children and teenagers develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of community both inside and outside the ring. After facing her own struggles with addiction, Norfolk found that boxing transformed her life by instilling structure, discipline, and a renewed purpose.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact
Norfolk is not only the founder and head coach but also works as a social worker and manager in mental health services for children and adolescents. This dual role enables her to forge trusting relationships with her students. One young boxer, who previously faced legal challenges, credits Norfolk and the club with turning his life around, while another student affectionately referred to her as more than a coach, saying:
“She is like a mum as well and it is nice to have her.”
At the heart of Norfolk’s coaching philosophy is the celebration of diversity and the creation of a welcoming culture in which every participant feels like a champion when they leave the gym, despite initial nerves.
Acknowledgment and Community Impact
Norfolk expressed her surprise and emotional reaction upon receiving the Coach of the Year accolade during a ceremony in Sheffield earlier this year, stating she was “choked up.” Her son, who also trains at the same facility, expressed pride in his mother’s achievement, noting:
“It was exciting to see she got good recognition for something she is so passionate about.”
Norfolk frequently references the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child,” underscoring her belief in the role of community in effecting change. The boxing team embraces children from diverse backgrounds, providing them opportunities for positive transformation. One student highlighted how the sport has positively influenced their mental health and regarded Norfolk as a strong role model.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Norfolk sees boxing as a vehicle to inspire hope, foster positive behaviors, and empower individuals to discover their own strength and purpose. Follow developments regarding Norfolk in the news on platforms such as BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
