The London Fire Brigade Boxing Club is running free sessions for 13- to 18-year-olds and has supported over 300 young people across Croydon and Merton so far.
LFBBC have been nominated for the Supporting Young Londoners Award at the 2026 London Sports Awards as a result and Douglas, who stars as Fire on Gladiators and represented Team GB at both the Summer and Winter Olympics, visited one of their sessions to see for herself how the club has earned the recognition.
She said: “What really stood out to me was the energy and warmth in the room – it’s more than just boxing, it’s a space where young people feel seen, supported and empowered.
“You can feel their confidence through every move. It isn’t just about sport in there, it’s about giving young people structure, discipline and belief in themselves”
Douglas, 40, is an official ambassador for the London Sports Awards held at the Guildhall on 29 April.
Supported by the City of London Corporation, the ceremony will honour inspiring individuals, projects, and organisations across ten categories, from volunteers and community clubs to businesses and tech innovators, who are helping Londoners lead healthier, more active lives.
Originally from Lewisham, Douglas appreciates how important these spaces can be to young people across London having gone on to a glittering career on both track and ice.
The 40-year-old competed in the 100m at Beijing 2008 before switching to bobsleigh for the Beijing 2022 edition.
And the former sprinter now hopes the boxing club can be one of a number of spaces that can help pave the way for the next generation.
She said: “For many of these young people, access to safe, supportive spaces like this can be life changing. It gives direction, community and the tools to build resilience both inside and outside the gym.
“Programmes like this are vital because they meet young people where they are. They provide not just physical activity, but mentorship, belonging and a sense of purpose – which is extremely powerful.”
Gearing up to present the London Sports Awards at Guildhall, Douglas took part in training with Charlie Beatt, who set up the project in 2019.
Beatt, 46, has served as a firefighter since 2002 and set up the club to help the London Fire Brigade engage with the local community after the Grenfell Tower fire.
During her training session with Beatt, Douglas saw firsthand just how important the London Sports Awards are to projects like LFBBC.
“The London Sport Awards shine a spotlight on the people and programmes doing incredible work behind the scenes. It’s so important we celebrate these initiatives because they’re making a real difference in communities across the city.
“Through these awards, we recognise the power of sport beyond performance – highlighting how it can transform lives, open doors and create opportunities for the next generation.”
London Sport is a charity that helps all Londoners live longer, healthier and happier lives through being active. The London Sport Awards, supported by the City of London Corporation, shines a spotlight on the capital’s unsung heroes who are helping Londoners lead more physically active lives. Find out more at www.londonsport.org
