Olympian and Gladiator Montell Douglas Celebrates Community Boxing Club's Transformative Work
Montell Douglas, the celebrated Team GB athlete and Gladiators star, has publicly praised the London Fire Brigade Boxing Club for its exceptional community work with young people. The club, which provides free boxing sessions for teenagers aged 13 to 18, has already supported more than 300 youths across the London boroughs of Croydon and Merton.
Award Nomination and Inspiring Visit
The London Fire Brigade Boxing Club has earned a nomination for the Supporting Young Londoners Award at the prestigious 2026 London Sports Awards. This recognition prompted Douglas, who serves as an official ambassador for the awards ceremony, to visit one of the club's sessions to witness their impactful work firsthand.
Douglas, who made history by representing Team GB at both Summer and Winter Olympics, was immediately struck by the club's atmosphere. "What really stood out to me was the energy and warmth in the room," she observed. "It's more than just boxing—it's a space where young people feel seen, supported and empowered."
Beyond Physical Training: Building Confidence and Structure
The 40-year-old athlete, who competed in the 100m at Beijing 2008 before switching to bobsleigh for Beijing 2022, emphasized how the club provides much more than physical training. "You can feel their confidence through every move," Douglas noted. "It isn't just about sport in there. It's about giving young people structure, discipline and belief in themselves."
Douglas, originally from Lewisham, understands the importance of such community spaces, having built her own remarkable career across track and ice sports. She now hopes the boxing club can help pave the way for future generations.
Life-Changing Impact on Young Londoners
"For many of these young people, access to safe, supportive spaces like this can be life changing," Douglas explained. "It gives direction, community and the tools to build resilience both inside and outside the gym. Programmes like this are vital because they meet young people where they are. They provide not just physical activity, but mentorship, belonging and a sense of purpose—which is extremely powerful."
Club Origins and Community Engagement
During her visit, Douglas participated in training with Charlie Beatt, the 46-year-old firefighter who established the project in 2019. Beatt, who has served with the London Fire Brigade since 2002, created the club specifically to help the fire service engage with local communities following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.
Douglas's training session with Beatt reinforced her appreciation for how the London Sports Awards spotlight vital community initiatives. "The London Sport Awards shine a spotlight on the people and programmes doing incredible work behind the scenes," she said. "It's so important we celebrate these initiatives because they're making a real difference in communities across the city."
Recognizing Sport's Transformative Power
The athlete ambassador emphasized the broader significance of such recognition. "Through these awards, we recognise the power of sport beyond performance—highlighting how it can transform lives, open doors and create opportunities for the next generation."
The London Sports Awards ceremony, supported by the City of London Corporation, will take place at Guildhall on April 29, 2026. The event honors inspiring individuals, projects, and organizations across ten categories, celebrating those who help Londoners lead healthier, more active lives.
London Sport, the charity behind the awards, works to help all Londoners live longer, healthier and happier lives through physical activity. The awards specifically highlight the capital's unsung heroes who contribute to making London a more physically active city.
