Championing the Future: Carl Frampton Inspires Students at St Ronan’s College
We were absolutely delighted to welcome Ambassador Carl Frampton to our Lurgan centre recently in partnership with St Ronan’s College. Our collaboration with St Ronan’s has flourished for nine years, and this visit was a powerful testament to a partnership that continues to grow stronger.
A shared ethos: believe, Belong, Become
The day began with Carl meeting the Senior Leadership Team and members of the College Board. He spent time learning about the school’s core mission and the Latin motto, Pro Omnibus Excellentia (Excellence for All). However, it was the school’s guiding ethos—”Believe, Belong, Become”—that truly resonated with him. In fact, Carl was so moved by the message that he declared it a mantra he intends to carry forward himself.
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 emphasized 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.
“You’ve had your fair share of international experiences—how did travelling as a young boxer shape you, both personally and professionally?”
Carl responded:
“Traveling for my sport at a young age was the making of me. It forced me to grow up, adapt to new environments, and realize that the world is much bigger than your own doorstep. Professionally, it teaches you the discipline needed to compete at the highest level, no matter where you are in the world”
MIC Cup, Catalonia
This Easter, our Northern Irish Football Performance Programme students will return to Catalonia, Spain for the second time to compete in the prestigious MIC Cup. This internationally recognised tournament has previously showcased world-class talent such as Lamine Yamal, Cole Palmer, Rodri and Marcus Rashford. Last year, our players faced strong opposition including West Coast Elite and Real Mallorca, while competing alongside elite clubs such as Manchester City, Barcelona and Liverpool. This year, we are delighted to be taking two squads to represent the Football Performance Programme. We wish all players the very best of luck and encourage everyone to follow their experience by keeping up with our social media channels.
