"DON'T COUNT THE DAYS, MAKE THE DAYS COUNT"
ABOUT THRIVE BOXING TEAM
THRIVE BOXING TEAM
A newly established boxing team in Norfolk, born from a passion for coaching children and adults in the art of amateur boxing.
Thrive may seem like an unusual name for a boxing team, but our philosophy is simple: a positive environment, strong coaching ethos, and clear values create the foundation for success. We believe that by fostering these principles, we can help children, young people, and families not only excel in boxing, but also 'thrive' in life.
national award winning coach
ENGLAND BOXING FEMALE COACH OF THE YEAR
Kerry Norfolk was crowned England Boxing Female Coach of the Year.
Kerry Norfolk the founder of Thrive Boxing Team won the award because of her “outstanding dedication, innovation, and impact on the sport and the lives of young people”.
“Winning Female Coach of the Year means more than words can describe,” she said.
“Coaching children and young people is not my job, it’s my purpose.
“Boxing transforms lives. It teaches resilience, discipline and community. Watching boxers discover their emotional and mental strength is the greatest reward I could ask for.
“This award isn’t just for me. It’s for every coach who shows up with heart, for every young person who dares to dream, and for every voice working to make boxing more inclusive, empowering, and transformative.”
Founded in 2023, Thrive Boxing Team, in Harleston and Norwich, is a community-based club promoting inclusion, empowerment, and personal growth through sport.
Norfolk, has more than 30 years’ experience in contact sports and more than 15 years devoted to amateur boxing, becoming a leading figure in community boxing. Her coaching philosophy combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence, helping boxers of all abilities to grow in confidence, character, and capability.
The club, based at the legendary Kickstop Gym in Norwich, has become a hub for both recreational and competitive boxing, creating a safe and inclusive environment where children and young people can develop not just as athletes-but as people.
Norfolk is also a registered social worker and manager within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), so brings deep expertise in safeguarding, neurodiversity, and behaviour management, supporting boxers and families with care and compassion.
She is also a passionate advocate for women in sport, playing a key role in the Women’s Coach Development Programme and co-founding the Eastern Counties ‘Next Gen’ Regional Squad alongside fellow coach Donna Harvey-Arnell in 2022-a legacy programme that continues to empower young female athletes and coaches.
Chris Lakey EDP Sports Correspondence
Uk coaching
community COACH OF THE YEAR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
YOUTH COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR
The spotlight was shining bright as UK Coaching proudly announced the winners of the 2025 UK Coaching Awards during a glittering ceremony at The Queens Hotel in Leeds.
The UK Coaching Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious events within the coaching community and celebrates coaches at all levels. From elite to grassroots, they were established to recognise the invaluable role coaches play in building a happier and healthier society – whether masterminding a gold medal moment that can inspire a nation, or turning up week in, week out to support participants at a community sports club.
Awards for Coaches
From grassroots champions to elite-level leaders, every coach who makes a difference deserves a chance to be recognised. We celebrate all coaches.
Take a moment to learn more about our 2025 finalists and explore their remarkable journeys below:
Community Coach of the Year (Children and Young People), sponsored by Play Their Way
Supported by the Play Their Way campaign, this Award recognises a coach’s outstanding contribution to coaching children and young people to meet their sport and physical activity needs and aspirations.
Kerry Norfolk (Thrive Boxing Harleston/Norwich): Winner
Kerry is a youth boxing coach who creates a safe, inclusive space where every child and young person feels heard, respected and supported. Kerry adapts her coaching to meet diverse needs, including neurodiverse athletes, and uses playful activities to reduce pressure. She builds confidence, and facilitates peer-to-peer learning and one-to-one reviews, allowing boxers to take ownership of their progress.
Kerry's coaching approach extends beyond boxing, with a strong focus on well-being and personal development. Drawing on her social work background, Kerry integrates safeguarding and mental health support, taking proactive steps to support children and young people and their families. Her “this is their space” mantra fosters a thriving community where young people grow both in and beyond the gym.
Harley Burrows March ABC
Senior Elite National Champion u75kg 2025
Kerry Norfolk (Left) David Cole (Right)
Coach development
“David Cole is one of the greatest role models I could ask for in this sport. His integrity, calmness, and depth of knowledge set the standard for what true coaching looks like. He has guided me with patience, kindness and honesty, always sharing his experience in a way that helps me grow. Watching how he carries himself in the corner, the respect and loyalty his team show him has shaped the coach I want to aspire to. I’m incredibly grateful to call him a friend.
Kerry
OUR Classes
Thrive Boxing believes money should not be a deciding factor in its participation and its 'activities should be accessible and affordable to all.
We aim to promote: fitness, discipline, friendship and and respect.
where are we?
Norwich
Sancroft Academy Harleston
Wilderness Lane, Harleston
IP20 9DD
Monday
18:00 to 19:00 - Recreational
18:30-20:00 - Development
The Kickstop
25 Whiffler Rd, Norwich
NR3 2AG
Tuesday
18:00 to 19:00 - Recreational
19:00-20:00 - Development
20:00-21:00 - Seniors
Wednesday
18:00 to 20:00 - Sparring
Thursday
18:00 to 19:00 - Recreational
19:00-21:00 - Sparring
Friday - Saturday - Sunday
Competition
Tel: 0777 2801373
Email: info@thriveboxingteam.com