Wimbledon gives jobs to 13 young boxers from Wandsworth charity

Thirteen young people from Carney's Community worked at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships through the tournament foundation's employment scheme, according to Sky Sports, giving many their first job despite criminal records or special educational needs.

The Wandsworth boxing charity uses the ring and mentoring to help disadvantaged young people build confidence and discipline. Co-founder George Turner told Sky Sports that Wimbledon's willingness to hire their referrals breaks down barriers other employers put up immediately. "Over the last few years we've realised that with some of the young people that we're working with, particularly those that have been impacted by gun and knife crime, those who have got criminal records, those who might have special educational needs, it's a real challenge to find anywhere that will give them their first job," Turner said.

How Wimbledon references change employment prospects

Turner said a reference from the All England Club shifts the calculus when the young people apply elsewhere. Most who worked the fortnight went on to other jobs they likely would not have landed without that first credential, he said. "When they go for jobs elsewhere after they've finished at Wimbledon, the criminal record might be seen as a bit of a barrier but then a reference from Wimbledon tennis is a massive thing that can change that," Turner explained.

The charity was founded to continue the legacy of Fitzroy Lodge amateur coach Mick Carney. Turner said boxing teaches emotional control and reframes setbacks as learning opportunities. "You either get a win or you get a learn," he said. "It's only a loss if you've not learned anything from it."

The 2027 Wimbledon Championships run from late June through mid-July, with the Work at Wimbledon scheme expected to return.

Source: skysports.com