BOXING coach Mark Simmons is devoted to providing opportunities for others.

The 37-year-old former professional footballer, whose career was cut short by injury, has volunteered his services to Phoenix Fire Amateur Boxing Club for around 12 hours per week for the past 12 years.

Mark, of Fairford Close, assists with coaching, organising shows and creating successful partnerships that include a link with the Fire Brigade that has secured funding for their new gym which opened at Warrington Fire Station this week.

“I played football for Everton, Oldham and Manchester City and when I had to finish because of a really bad injury I just wanted to give something back,” said Mark, who shares volunteering time with family life and a high-pressure management job that takes him all over the country.

“All I wanted to do was go back to coaching, developing kids – that’s been my passion all my life.

“It’s about me giving opportunities to kids who don’t have the same opportunities as probably my son has.

“It’s about making the members feel welcome when they come to the gym, developing them and watching them grow.

“Some of our kids have come from under privileged backgrounds and for me it’s about giving them an opportunity to have self worth and to become the kids that we know they can become whether through sport or through the way we develop them by looking after them.

“The biggest buzz I get is when a kid turns round to me after they have just boxed and says they loved having me in their corner, loved having me train them.

“That’s what makes me get up every morning to go to work, to make sure I can afford to be able to go to the gym. That’s what it’s all about for me.”

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