The Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) Boxing Academy in West Midlands has become a beacon of hope for vulnerable youth in the Punjabi community. Established in 2021 by Bhupinder Singh, affectionately known as Pops, this hub uses boxing and fitness training to divert young people from gangs and knife crime, offering them a pathway to discipline, focus, and self-worth.
“The area we live in has its challenges,” said Singh. “We aim to get these kids off the streets and give them a purpose through boxing.”
The academy isn’t just a boxing gym; it is a well-rounded community space. Equipped with a state-of-the-art gym, a music studio, and an onsite café, the center offers opportunities far beyond sports. The gym caters to everyone, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and also runs holiday projects for children from struggling families.
This initiative is part of the broader work of Midland Langar Seva Society, a non-profit renowned for serving hot meals to the homeless across the UK.
“Seva [selfless service] is central to Sikhism,” Singh explained. “For us, seva takes many forms, whether it’s feeding the less fortunate or coaching boxing.”
Since its inception, the academy has trained 14 amateur fighters and three professionals, alongside hundreds of others. It’s not just about training fighters; it’s about creating role models. One standout story is that of Junior Foster, a 24-year-old preparing for his first professional fight, a journey that highlights the academy’s transformative impact.
The MLSS Boxing Academy exemplifies Sikh values of community service and equality. By combining sports with social welfare, it bridges gaps in a divided world and serves as a template for other communities seeking to uplift their youth.
