Listen: How Zoe Portsmouth's boxing journey is inspiring Isle of Wight's girls and young women (podcast)

During the summer of 2024 a preview fundraiser screening took place of a new documentary by Isle of Wight filmmaker, Bruce Webb. The documentary followed the story of Zoe Portsmouth, a valued member of the community who has been pivotal in helping to transform lives through Bay Area Youth Project.

Jump to our interview with Zoe

The fundraiser raised a whopping £718.55 which will be used to help improve the changing facilities for girls and young women at the Phoenix Boxing Club in Newport, where Zoe trains girls from the age of eight-years-old.

Zoe Portsmouth with young demale boxers and giant cheque - Bruce Webb

An enlightening conversation
OnTheWight recently caught up with Zoe and spent an hour chatting to learn more about her journey into boxing which began in 2018, for fitness reasons.

When Zoe joined Phoenix Boxing Club in Newport she was encouraged by the head coach, Mike, to compete in amateur boxing.

Zoe Portsmouth training no gloves - — © Bruce Webb

During our conversation with Zoe we covered,

How boxing helped her find her identity again after managing various responsibilities as a manager, mum, and daughter;
The challenges of being an older boxer;
The support and camaraderie within the boxing community;
The introduction of female-only sessions through her job with the Bay Youth Project;
The importance of youth voice in decision-making;
The challenges of reaching solitary gamers;
The misconceptions about boxing;
The experience of being filmed for Bruce Webb’s documentary;
The mental and physical aspects of boxing;
The benefits of boxing for young people, including increased confidence, better physical fitness, and the development of life skills;
The impact of her work on the local community, including the creation of safe spaces and opportunities for young people;
The ongoing efforts to improve local facilities and the importance of community support in achieving these goals;
Her passion for helping others through boxing and her commitment to continuing her work in the community.

silhouette of Zoe Portsmouth on the ferry — © Bruce Webb

Listen to the conversation
You can hear the conversation between Simon Perry and Zoe Portsmouth by clicking on the play button below. You can pause the recording, as well as rewind 10 seconds or jump forward 30 seconds.