Wellacre Alumni… Celebrating Jordan Thompson

Posted at 2:09 pm on 10th May, 2023

Champion Boxer Returns to Wellacre to Inspire Students

We were pleased as punch to welcome former Wellacre student, Jordan Thompson, for a special and inspirational assembly.

Jordan is a professional boxer and current IVF European Cruiserweight Champion, who has travelled as far as Vegas to train and spar with Tyson Fury.

As an ambassador for his parents’ charity, the Youth Charter for Sport, Jordan helps to give back to young people and inspire a generation.

It has been 13 years since Jordan left Wellacre after completing his A Levels.  He competed nationally in cross country, swimming and lacrosse, before being scouted for the Manchester City FC Academy where he played for a year.

Jordan was also the no. 1 in Lancashire for Under 18’s in tennis. When he left school, he spent a year on the Men’s British Tour, competing in tennis all over the country.  Eventually, Jordan turned to boxing, aged 20.

Jordan said:

“There have been various challenges throughout my life, including my early football and tennis careers, where opportunities were taken away from me. Tennis was my first love, and it was a difficult decision to stop playing tennis at 16.

“By telling my sporting story, where I have come from and how I am in the position I am now, I want you to know it hasn’t always been easy.  But, no matter what life throws at you there’s always a way to overcome that.”

   

Jordan was delighted to see a few Wellacre staff who taught him at the assembly. He said:

“Teachers here helped me a lot and some of them are standing here now! Maths was my favourite subject and Mrs Eagling helped me achieve a great grade. I look back at my school days and do wish I had maximised my time here more. Studies are really important and things I learnt at school have assisted me in my boxing career.”

The key message from Jordan’s assembly was:

Everyone here has a talent, something which makes you shine.  So nurture that talent, chase your dreams and goals, and be the best version of yourself, each and every day.

Students learned about the benefits of boxing; it is a great sporting discipline for self-defence, fitness, resilience and mental health. They also had the opportunity to see Jordan’s Championship belt, which he had brought along to showcase. 

Wellacre students Oliver, Year 7, Zaki, Year 8, and Mason and Alfie in Year 11, were pleased to have the chance to meet Jordan and talk about their own experiences in the field.

Principal Mrs Sharrock, said:

“It was wonderful to see Jordan and hear his powerful and positive messages for our students, particularly around resilience, wellbeing and the benefits of surrounding himself with the right people. 

“We are looking forward to working with Jordan again in the future.”