Bridlington Boxer Oliver Male Heads to The European Championships

Ever wondered what it takes to become a champion? It's not just about spending hours in the gym or having raw talent. It takes a huge amount of dedication, the right fuel, and a whole lot of community spirit. This is the story of a young boxer from Bridlington who’s got all three, thanks to a local family-owned business stepping into his corner. Meet 18-year-old Oliver Male, a boxing prodigy about to represent England on a massive stage, and see how a Driffield business, Soanes Poultry, is making sure he’s got the best possible support for his journey.

A local lad with a big future

It’s not every day you come across someone with the drive and success of Oliver Male. At just 18, he’s already a five-time national champion in the world of boxing. His career is off to a flying start. He made his debut for England when he was 17 and didn’t just show up; he won gold at his very first outing for the team at the Three Nations Tournament. That’s a pretty big statement. Now, he’s been selected to represent his country again, this time at the Under 19 European Boxing Championships in the Czech Republic later this month. This isn’t just another competition; it’s a huge step in his career and a chance to prove his skills on an international level. Oliver, who boxes out of Bridlington Amateur Boxing Club, is a sparring partner for some serious talent, including British, Commonwealth, and European champ Callum Simpson. It’s clear this young athlete is on a path to greatness, with his development guided by his coaches, Damien Grant and David Widnall. They’ve been instrumental in shaping not just his boxing technique but his entire mindset, preparing him for this level of competition.

The perfect partnership with Soanes Poultry

An athlete at this level needs more than just good coaching; they need the right fuel to power their intense training. That’s where a Driffield-based business, Soanes Poultry, comes in. This family-owned business, which has been rearing and preparing quality chicken since 1947, saw something special in Oliver. They decided to offer him a sponsorship package that goes beyond just a logo on a shirt. Soanes Poultry is providing him with monthly deliveries of high-quality chicken to fuel his training, as well as helping with some of the costs that come with competing at an elite level. Why chicken? For a boxer like Oliver, protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. After gruelling training sessions, the body needs the right stuff to recover and get stronger. This support from Soanes Poultry means he has a consistent supply of top-notch protein, taking one more worry off his plate. Oliver is buzzing about the support:

“I’m truly delighted to represent Soanes Poultry as an athlete ambassador. The package of support you’ve outlined is extremely generous, and I greatly appreciate the commitment you are making to me. Having the backing of a respected local family business like yours gives me both pride and motivation to keep pushing forward in my career. I’m really excited for the journey ahead together.”

This isn’t just a random sponsorship. Robert Laird, the brand ambassador for Soanes Poultry, explained the thinking behind the partnership.

“We were very impressed with Oliver’s professionalism and training ethic, which have contributed to his stellar success to date. There’s a great fit between Oliver’s values and those of Soanes Poultry, and we are very excited to work with him going forward and to see his continued development both inside and outside the boxing ring.”

It’s a true local collaboration, a business supporting one of their own from just down the road in Bridlington.

The dedication behind the dream

Getting selected for the European Championships doesn't happen by accident. It’s the result of relentless hard work and serious sacrifice. To give himself the best possible shot at the competition, Oliver Male has put his entire life on hold to focus solely on his boxing career. He’s even stepped away from his job. Think about that for a second – at 18, he’s made the decision to dedicate everything to his sport. That’s a champion’s mindset right there. His training schedule is as intense as you’d imagine. It's a demanding routine, but it's what's needed to compete with the best in Europe. Here's a glimpse into his life while preparing for the championships:

• Daily Training: Up to three sessions a day, four days in a row.
• Recovery: A full rest day after the four-day block to let his body recover.
• England Camps: Attending intense England preparation camps every single weekend to sharpen his skills and mindset.

Speaking about his commitment, Oliver explained:

“It’s a huge honour to be chosen to represent my country at this level. In preparation for the European Championships, I’ve fully committed myself to training. I’ve stepped away from work so I can dedicate my life to boxing… It’s a demanding routine, but I know it’s what’s needed to give my best performance at the Euros.”

This level of focus shows just how much this opportunity to represent England means to him. This incredible athlete is giving it his all.

Community backing a national talent

This story is about more than just one athlete and one business. It’s a fantastic example of how local communities can get behind their rising stars. Soanes Poultry isn't a giant faceless corporation; it's a family-owned business deeply rooted in Yorkshire. Employing over 180 people, they supply their chicken to local butchers and independent retailers, as well as to wholesalers and catering butchers across the country. They understand the importance of local support because they are part of the fabric of the community. By offering this sponsorship, they’re not just helping Oliver Male; they’re sending a message that local talent deserves local backing. For a young athlete, knowing that a respected business has your back can be a massive confidence boost. It turns a solo journey into a team effort. Every time Oliver steps into the ring at the European Championships, he’ll be carrying the pride of Bridlington and the support of businesses like Soanes Poultry with him. He is set to represent not just England, but his entire local community. This is a story of shared ambition, from the rearing of quality chicken to the development of a champion boxer.

Address: Soanes Poultry Ltd, Church Hill Farm, Middleton-on-the-Wolds, Driffield YO25 9UG, United Kingdom