Breaking Barriers through Sport

The highlight of the day was an energetic Q&A session with both LLS and St Ronan’s students.

Carl Frampton spoke passionately about how growing up in a loyalist area of North Belfast meant that he wouldn’t have mixed with people from the nationalist community if not for boxing. He detailed how the sport acted as a vital way out from the ingrained prejudices and territorial divisions of the time. In the gym and the ring, the us and them mentality that prevailed on the streets disappeared, allowing him to build genuine, lifelong friendships, most notably with two-time Olympic medallist Paddy Barnes, who is from a Catholic, nationalist area and was Frampton’s best man at his wedding.

This integrated experience fundamentally shaped his worldview, showing him that people with different backgrounds could come together and share a mutual respect, an outlook he now champions through his support for integrated education in Northern Ireland.

More than just an athlete

Carl also highlighted the vast array of career paths within the sports industry beyond being a professional athlete. He emphasised that for every champion in the ring, there is a team of professionals—from analysts to medics—behind them. He noted, for example, that his own former nutritionist is now a key part of the backroom staff at Manchester City.

Carl reflected on his own journey, noting that he wished a program like the LLS Sixth Form Sports Course had existed during his school years as he offered powerful insights into the discipline required to reach the top and the importance of having a “plan B” through education.

Stepping into the Ring: Practical Session

Following the talk, the atmosphere shifted from the lecture hall to the gym for a high-energy boxing masterclass. Carl jumped straight into a practical session with our NI students, providing hands-on coaching and technical advice.

A highlight of the session was seeing Carl work one-on-one with student CJ, a talented young boxer from Mercy College Belfast who is part of the LLS program. Having recently competed in the All-Ireland Championships, CJ received personal tips from “The Jackal” on distance control and jab efficiency as he prepares for upcoming international matches in Scotland and potential Olympic qualifiers.

Networking with a Legend

For many of our students, the day was more than just a training session; it was a vital professional networking opportunity. Meeting an industry icon like Carl allows our young people to see the tangible results of hard work and community pride.

As Carl reminded everyone present: “Give your best every day”.

We would like to extend a massive thank you to Carl Frampton and the team at LLS for making this unforgettable experience possible. Our students have left the ring with more than just improved footwork—they’ve left with the motivation to chase their own world-class dreams.