WHEN Warrington Youth Zone (WYZ) opened its doors in 2022, its mission was to offer young people in Warrington a safe, supportive space — “somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.”
For 20-year-old amateur boxer Sarah Grant, that mission proved to be life-changing.
As a teenager, Sarah found herself on a difficult path. “I used to be in the wrong crowd,” she reflects. At around 15, she struggled with intense anxiety and poor mental health — But beneath the surface, she says she had “a big heart,” always trying to support other young people struggling with their own mental health.
One night changed everything. As Sarah puts it, a youth worker — later identified as Jack Taylor — saw “behind the smile” and recognised someone who desperately needed help.
That moment led to her being referred to the boxing programme at WYZ. “They always said I had a fire in my belly,” she recalls.
Boxing proved to be more than just a sport for Sarah — it became a lifeline. Under Jack’s mentorship she discovered discipline, purpose and self-worth.
That structured support and consistent presence helped shift her life away from danger and despair.
For the past five years, boxing has been central to Sarah’s identity. What started as a way to channel anxiety evolved into ambition.
Today, she trains regularly and recently stepped into the ring for her first proper fight — a milestone she views as proof of how far she has come.
Although it ended in defeat it will not deter her ambition with hger coach believing she has every chance of becoming a professional boxer inthe future.
But the biggest transformation has been in her role within the Youth Zone. Once shy and overwhelmed, Sarah has blossomed into a confident young coach and mentor.
“I went from being this shy, withdrawn girl to being the one who’s putting back — being part of people’s lives,” she says. In doing so, she has become a living embodiment of WYZ’s mission.
Warrington Youth Zone offers a wide range of activities — from music, cooking and arts, to fully equipped gyms, climbing walls, dance and drama studios. Boxing and martial arts are among the core offerings aimed at building discipline,
confidence, and resilience. The centre also runs targeted programmes — such as the 2023 “Train Like a Pro programme” — combining sport, personal development and mentoring for young people at risk of disengaging from school or community.
Support for WYZ remains strong and growing.
For Sarah, WYZ has been nothing short of a second chance. Once stuck in a cycle of anxiety and unhealthy influences, she now wakes up every day driven by purpose — training, mentoring others.
“I can’t describe how much it’s given me,” she says.
Her story stands as a testament to the power of community support, sport and consistent mentorship.
For Sarah, and for many others, Warrington Youth Zone isn’t just a facility — it’s a place that offers hope, healing and a future.
