Pictured above: (l-r) Former World, Commonwealth and British middleweight boxing champion Wayne Elcock is joined by Brad Russell and Michael Bernard of Pertemps Coachright

Former World Champion boxer Wayne Elcock pulled no punches when he met dozens of budding young sports coaches from across the West Midlands.

Wayne was a big hit when he gave a rousing speech as he revealed what it takes to become a champion in your chosen field.

Among the audience were young people from across Birmingham, Coventry and Worcestershire who are dreaming of becoming sports coaches with the support of not-for-profit organisation Pertemps Coachright.

Pertemps Coachright has secured funding through Be Birmingham, Coventry City Council and Worcester County Council to employ assistant sports coaches who will provide coaching at a community level. To work as a sports coach is an unfulfilled ambition for many school or college leavers and everyone in the group is determined to grasp the opportunity.

Many of the group are just awaiting their CRB checks before embarking on brand new careers. Once cleared, the trainees will be taking up placements with a number of organisations including gyms, schools, activity centres, West Midlands Safari Park, Worcester County Cricket Club and with Coachright themselves.

Wayne, the former World, Commonwealth and British middleweight boxing champion, delivered his rousing speech to the group at Castle Bromwich Cricket Club, near Birmingham and Solihull, revealing more about his life both in and out of the ring.

Brad Russell, technical director, said Pertemps Coachright is employing three cohorts of people across the three regions, funded by the Future Jobs Fund, to help those who may aspire to seek a career in sports coaching.

"To have 48 sports coaches across three regions employed by Pertemps Coachright makes us very proud and by holding a day to help support our team, to improve our knowledge and quality of delivery, we hope the many communities we serve will gain the benefit. The Worcester, Birmingham and Coventry Future Jobs Fund groups integrated easily due to the relaxed environment and hopefully gained invaluable experience for their further development. With Wayne Elcock talking about the required desire and passion to succeed the day concluded with a very positive atmosphere."

He added: "This six-month opportunity will allow all individuals to partake in gaining sports specific qualifications and, after receiving CRB clearance and completing our mentoring programme with our more experienced coaches, a chance of working with partner organisations in delivering sports provision across all three regions."