Frequently asked questions

Questions people ask us.

Straight answers about sessions, ages, fees and how to start. If yours isn't here, ring 0116 251 1221 — someone who knows will pick up.

Getting started

What is Waterfront Sports & Education Academy?

Waterfront Sports & Education Academy is a registered charity in Leicester that uses boxing, sport and education to help children, young people and adults build confidence, fitness and opportunities. It has been part of the community since 1998 and became a registered charity in 2013 (charity number 1153993).

Where is Waterfront in Leicester?

Waterfront is at Unit 15, Lister Building, Marjorie St, Leicester LE4 5GY. We also deliver outreach in schools and community venues across Leicester.

What ages are your sessions for?

Our sessions cater for all ages. Children, young people and adults all train at Waterfront, and coaching is adapted to the person rather than fixed to an age bracket. If you are unsure which session suits you or your child, call 0116 251 1221 and we will tell you.

Do I need any experience to start boxing?

No. Our recreational boxing sessions are designed for complete beginners as well as people building on existing skills.

Do I need my own gloves or kit?

No. Gloves and pads are provided, so you can come to your first session with nothing but sports clothing and trainers.

How do I join a session at Waterfront?

Call 0116 251 1221, email info@waterfrontsea.org, or send an enquiry through our contact page. Tell us who the session is for and what you are hoping to get out of it, and we will point you to the right one.

Sessions

When are your boxing classes?

We run nine coached sessions a week. Recreational Boxing runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30 to 6.30pm. Box, our adult class, runs Monday and Friday from 7.30 to 8.30pm. Cardiobox runs Tuesday 7.30 to 8.30pm, Wednesday and Friday 6.30 to 7.30pm, and Saturday 10 to 11am.

How much do sessions cost at Waterfront?

Fees vary by session and are not published online. Please call 0116 251 1221 for current rates before your first session.

Is Waterfront only about boxing?

No. Boxing is how most people find us, but Waterfront also runs youth mentoring, holiday activities, community sport, life skills and employability programmes. Advancing education is in fact the first purpose named in our registered charitable objects, ahead of amateur sport.

Can boxing help with mental health and wellbeing?

Mental wellbeing is one of the five outcomes Waterfront works towards, alongside physical wellbeing, individual development, social and community development, and progression into education, training and employment. It comes through taking part — structure, routine, coaching and belonging — rather than as a separate clinical service. We are not a mental health provider.

Do you run activities during the school holidays?

Yes. The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free holiday activities, healthy meals and enriching experiences for eligible children and young people during the school holidays. Through sport, education, fun and social activities, HAF helps children stay active, build confidence, make friends and enjoy positive experiences outside of school. Dates change each holiday period and eligibility criteria apply, so call 0116 251 1221 to check whether your child qualifies and what is running next.

About us

Is Waterfront a registered charity?

Yes. Waterfront Sports & Education Academy is a registered charity in England and Wales, number 1153993, established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 27 September 2013. Our trustees, annual accounts and annual returns are published on the Charity Commission register.

Who does Waterfront work with?

We work with children and young people facing barriers such as low confidence, exclusion from education or contact with the justice system; families experiencing hardship or isolation; adults building wellbeing and routine; and schools, youth services and community organisations seeking sport-based interventions.

Using our building

Can I hire a room at Waterfront?

Yes. Our boxing gym, two classrooms, social space and music studio are available to hire by community organisations and local groups. Rates depend on the space, the day and the length of hire, so tell us what you are planning and we will quote you.

Do you work with schools in Leicester?

Yes. We deliver school-based interventions designed to improve engagement, attendance and behaviour, and we work in partnership with schools, youth services, local authorities and National Governing Bodies across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Still not sure?

Ask us directly.

Tell us who you're asking for and what you're hoping to do, and we'll point you to the right session.

Contact Waterfront