KKP supported senior management of The Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) to develop and refine its Whole Sport Plan for 2009-2013.

Boxing has, over recent year come a very long way. Progress made during the period of implementation of the 2005-2008 Whole Sport Plan period has changed the face of the sport. It is widely considered to be an example of best practice, systematically tackling issues such as corporate governance, financial management and performance at the ‘top end' in tandem with the installation of people and processes to strengthen and drive the base of the sport.

It has stepped forward fifty years in four, aligning its work to modernise with a real drive to ensure that the impacts of strategic plans, targeted investment and the support of professional staff are measured and assessed.

Not prepared to rest on its laurels, The ABAE commissioned KKP to challenge current conventions and support the Whole Sport Plan process to equip boxing for what will undoubtedly be one of the most critical and high profile periods in the history of sport.

Conforming to Sport England key outcomes the plan articulates objectives and associated actions to:

• Excel - Introducing new and different competitive structures to give a broader participation base from which improvements can be made in performance and talent
• Sustain - reducing drop offs at key points and improving coach and volunteer development which is critical to success in this area
• Grow - setting ambitious targets for increasing participation through schools and club structures, with a focus on reaching hard to reach groups

Performance measurement is at the heart of plan and thanks to earlier joint work in this area, The ABAE is recognised as leading the way for NGBs with a solid evidence base to quantify its current position and hence offer Sport England confidence and assurance that its targets for the next four years are realistic and achievable.

Paul King, CEO at The ABAE led the Whole Sport Planning process for Boxing. He said, "We take our responsibility seriously. We are accountable to both Sport England and our members and this latest plan will ensure we provide a clearer offer through an effective, efficient operating structure to contribute to the changing face of community sport."

"John has been invaluable to the process. He has been prepared to get stuck in, roll his sleeves up and get to the heart of the key issues facing both our sport and those of our wider partners and stakeholders. With his help and that of other key ABAE and KKP staff that have worked on the plans, I am confident that The ABAE will be able to deliver a seamless pathway from school and community based participation to elite success."

For an independent view on this case study, please contact Paul King, Chief Executive, The ABAE (paul.king@abae.co.uk)

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