The Fighting Chance

25/09/2026

Strong Voices, Strong Women at the Tower of London

Our women veterans spent a day at the Tower of London. Yeoman Warder Emma gave the group tour of the Tower. It was an opportunity to find out more about the fascinating history of the Beefeaters.
There were photos, lots of laughs and a catch up over lunch.

Thanks to Emma and to our project lead Laura for organising the day. Thanks also to The Stoll Foundation VNS and The Chelsea Pensioners outreach for joining us.

Strong Voices, Strong Women is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

10/09/2026

Huge congratulations to Sam and David — they’ve just passed their England Boxing Level 1 Coach qualification!

That means they’re now officially qualified to coach boxing in gyms and fitness studios. .

A massive thanks to Roy Summers for delivering the Level 1 qualification over four intensive days and guiding them every step of the way, and to The Poppy Factory for supporting this project and making it possible.

Sam and David could also have the opportunity to volunteer at Fitzroy lodge ABC 1908 to assist the regular coaching team and build their experience. They’ll be a welcoming face for other veterans—helping create the inclusive space where people can train, build routine, feel better, and move forward.

Well done guys!

07/08/2026

Reflecting on Three Years of Partnership with CDARS

As we near the end of an incredible 3 year journey with CDARS, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what's been a truly meaningful partnership.

Yesterday we celebrated Georgiana Grozavu’s final session with the group. Thank you, Georgiana, for bringing such energy and dedication to every single session.

What's made this project really special is the consistency and trust that has built over time. We've maintained near-capacity attendance throughout, with minimal drop-offs and strong retention. For a group where trust and belonging are fundamental, that outcome represents something genuinely valuable.

CDARS have told us this has been an extremely successful project, both in terms of attendance and engagement.
That feedback means the world to us because it validates what we believe is possible when we create a space where people feel safe, valued, and part of something real.

Our thanks go to Georgiana for her commitment and heart, to Viviana Ricciardi for leading this project with such care and vision, and to the entire CDARS team for their dedication to participants and to this partnership.

Here's to what we've built together, and what's possible when organisations genuinely collaborate around shared values.

03/08/2026

August is a busy month for our Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Strong Voices, Strong Women boxing group 🥊💪

Here’s what’s on for our women veterans this month:

🥊 6 Aug — Boxing fitness at Rival Boxing Gym, 10:30–12:00, followed by empanada lunch & a catch-up at the cafe

🧺 13 Aug — Picnic at Royal
Hospital Chelsea home of The Chelsea Pensioners, 10:30–13:45 (no more spaces left)

⛵ 20 Aug — GoBoat wellbeing trip on Regent’s Canal, 11:00–13:00 (meet 10:30) — very limited spaces left!

🥊 20 Aug — Optional boxing at Royal Hospital Chelsea (limited spaces) , 14:30–16:00

🥊 27 Aug — Boxing fitness at Rival Gym, 10:30–12:00

Strong voices, strong women, stronger together. If you’re a woman veteran and want to join us, or you just want to find out more, email Laura White at [email protected]

💛 Know a woman veteran who might love this? We’re always happy to welcome new faces — send them our way, or put them in touch with Laura directly.

TheFightingChance

02/08/2026

27/07/2026

Great news! The Fighting Chance is running a new veterans’ boxing project in Lambeth -Saved by the Bell.
Over the past four years, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust funding, managed by The Poppy Factory ,has helped turn Fitzroy lodge ABC 1908 into a genuine community hub: The new fully refurbished, disability friendly accessible gym, veterans coaching veterans, and partners including Stoll, The Poppy Factory’s Navigators and Op Courage working alongside us. 11 of our veterans have already completed boxing coaching qualifications, with more in training now for their Level 1.
Thanks to funding from Journey2Work, that work continues for another year from August. Journey2Work’s Chairman Ammar Yousef came down to Fitzroy Lodge and joined our boxers for a training session (photos below!).
With Fitzroy Lodge now firmly established as a hub for veterans, we’re excited about the role it could play in future national veteran initiatives as this work continues to grow.
Huge thanks to everyone who’s backed this project so far. Our official launch is coming soon — watch this space!

10/04/2026

We are excited to announce that The Fighting Chance will launch our brand new project Strong Voices, Strong Women on Thursday 14th May.
This project will run for 1 year, is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and is open to all ex-Servicewomen across London.
You don’t need to have any experience of boxing as our programmes are suitable for beginners and designed to be fun and enjoyable
We will combine Women only non-contact boxing sessions in a private space with additional wraparound support, wellbeing sessions and social group activities.
We want this to be an opportunity to connect, reflect and rebuild confidence.
If you’d like to apply or you’re an organisation that support women veterans and forces families (particularly those working in mental health, recovery, housing and employment), please get in touch with our Project Lead - Laura White on 07482 708 133 or email [email protected]