Dre’s story: “How boxing has completely changed my life” 

When 13-year-old Dre Orr first stepped into Newbiggin Boxing Club, he was both nervous and excited. Living with autism meant that Dre had previously struggled socially with his confidence. However, since joining the club, Dre’s journey has been one of growth and resilience. 

The boxing club is a community space located in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland that recently benefitted from NCFE funding. Our Social Impact Fund allows NCFE colleagues to support a cause of their choice and create meaningful social change. Thanks to the funding, the club has invested in new equipment and developed a social space where young members can connect, unwind, and prepare for training. 

For Dre, the club has become more than just a place to box – it’s a supportive environment that has boosted his confidence, transformed his school experience, and provided him with the tools to thrive both inside and outside the ring. Here, we speak to Dre and his dad Davy Orr to learn more about his inspiring story. 

Q: Tell us about your first session at Newbiggin Boxing Club – what do you remember? 

A: “At the start, I felt excited, but I was also nervous too as I was starting at a brand new club. I didn’t know anyone here besides my stepbrother Jack, who started before me. 

“However, at the end of my first session, I felt such a sense of accomplishment and happiness. Before I started boxing, I had loads of hobbies like swimming, kickboxing, judo, football – but none of them really stuck, to be honest. Those sports never really felt like home. But with boxing, I remember thinking that this sport might be my life from now.” 

Q: Did the coaches and the other members make you feel welcome? 

 A: “They were amazing. They helped me to believe in myself and become who I am today. Paul was really my main introductory coach, and helped me to recognise my strengths and flaws, helping me to start working on areas of improvement. But Tracey also pulled me under her wing and started really supporting me on my journey. 

“I'd like to thank them for making me believe in myself, for pushing me to my very limit and making me who I am today. I'm very grateful to them for that.” 

Q: Can you tell us about the changes you've noticed in yourself since you started boxing? 

A: “I've noticed that I'm stronger now. Physically, I can pick heavier weights up – but also my mental strength is stronger as well and I feel like I can tolerate more mentally. I also feel like my confidence has been boosted since I started boxing.  

“It has definitely helped me to feel fitter too. I feel on top of my game. I’ve got nearly a year of experience in boxing now – it's amazing, what I feel I’ve been able to achieve in such little time. 

“I've really improved my head movement now and my hand speed. I love training in general and the development I’ve seen within myself. My favourite thing to do is sparring, but I also enjoy circuits. Both are really fun to do. My least favourite thing to do is probably the ramp inclines – they are definitely the toughest!” 

Q: How has being part of the club changed your friendships and social life?  

A: “I've made loads of friends since I've been here. Following the boost in confidence boxing has given me, I've become more outgoing and have made new friends in the process.

“It has helped me in all aspects of my life. For example, when I do speeches at school for English, having a newfound confidence has helped me to get my point across. At home, it's helped me to really relay my feelings towards my family, such as about things I like and dislike. 

“Boxing has completely changed my life. It's changed me from feeling like a bullied, little shy, skinny kid, to how I feel now. It's amazing.” 

Q: The boxing club recently opened a diner space where you can socialise before training starts. Have you benefitted from this?  

A: “Yes! I arrive at the club before training and I have a soft drink, talk to my friends, and play a bit of pool with them. It’s such a nice atmosphere to be in. It helps you to feel settled before you have to jump into your training session.” 

Q: Do you have any goals for the future in boxing?   

A: “My goal is to be a pro boxer. Since joining here, my view on boxing has completely changed. It has definitely become my favourite sport of all time now, and I love it. So, I want to keep pursuing it as much as I can. I want to hone my skills, take them to the top, and peak.” 

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is considering starting boxing? 

A: “My advice for someone considering their journey with boxing is to just go for it. It's amazing what boxing can do. It can transform you physically and emotionally and mentally. So just go for it! And if you don’t like it, that's fine – just try it and see if you like it. Who knows?” 

Q: Davy – can you tell us a little more about Dre’s journey from childhood until now, including the obstacles he has overcome? 

A: “From about five or six years old, we started noticing different things about Dre – for example, he would line all his cars up a bit differently, he was very bright, and he was watching Dora the Explorer in Spanish. It turned out that he had autism.  

“Back then, Dre would sit in his room and kind of seclude himself. He had friends, but if those friends weren’t about, he wasn’t really good at making new friends. 

“When we first brought him up here to Newbiggin Boxing Club and sent him in, it was infectious. All of a sudden, he had a friend, then two friends, then three – now, the whole gym is his friend. Suddenly he was standing tall – his chin was up, his shoulders were back, and he wasn’t bothered about who he needed to speak to or how to make friends. It’s amazing.” 

To discover more you can watch Dre’s story in full, or visit our Social Impact Report homepage to discover the stories of more beneficiaries who've been reached through our investments and partnerships. 

Pictured: Dre Orr in Newbiggin Boxing Club