England Boxing's new strategic plan runs from 2022 to 2027 ©England Boxing

England Boxing chief executive Gethin Jenkins has vowed to "remove barriers to participation", "ensure greater diversity and inclusion" and "provide the necessary support and backing to maximise involvement" over the next five years.

Jenkins’ comments come after England Boxing published its "ambitious" strategic plan running from 2022 to 2027.

The 13-page document, called "Inspiring and Transforming Lives Through Boxing", outlines plans of how the national governing body for amateur boxing in England will build on the progress made in the 2017 to 2021 strategic plan.

"As we emerge from COVID-19 we were keen to put together an ambitious strategy that understands the needs of everyone involved in boxing," said Jenkins.

"We want to remove barriers to participation, ensure greater diversity and inclusion and provide the necessary support and backing to maximise involvement, thereby helping the clubs in delivering the outstanding work they do in local communities, week in, week out.

"We also want to ensure everyone understands the important role they play and how they can progress through and contribute to the sport, while also enjoying boxing in a safe environment."

England Boxing is aiming to build
England Boxing is aiming to build "strong resilient clubs" and create "assessible environments and facilities" as part of its strategic plan ©England Boxing

The new strategic plan has been put together following consultation from a host of partners and stakeholders, including England Boxing-affiliated clubs.

It is built around four objectives of "A Thriving Boxing Community", "An Inclusive Diverse and Accessible Sport", "An Inspirational and Aspirational Talent Pathway" and "A Respected and Valued NGB".

"Boxing is a sport that is centrally placed to tackle deep-rooted societal challenges and inequalities within some of the most marginalised and diverse communities in the country," said Caspar Hobbs, chair of England Boxing’s Board of Directors.

"In devising this strategy, we want to provide opportunities for everyone involved in the sport to help shape, determine and influence the direction we will take in order that we can build a positive future for our members and the communities they represent.

"We have a hugely diverse membership and we aim to grow the breadth of that diversity over the next five years."

England Boxing oversees more than 950 affiliated clubs, 21,000 formal members and 125,000 recreational boxers spread across the country.