Union Jab Supporting King’s College London Research into Neurodiversity in Boxing

July 28, 2026

Help shape more inclusive boxing

Union Jab is supporting a King’s College London research project exploring the experiences of neurodivergent athletes and the coaches who work with them.

The study aims to improve understanding of the barriers, facilitators and experiences affecting neurodivergent people in boxing—and help inform more inclusive approaches within the sport.

Take Part in the Research

Open to eligible participants aged 18 and over. Participation can take place online or in person. Click Here to Take Part in the Research

About the research

There is currently limited research examining the perspectives, needs and experiences of neurodivergent people within boxing.

This interview project forms part of a PhD project at King’s College London and will explore how neurodivergent athletes experience the sport, alongside the experiences of coaches working with neurodivergent participants.

The research will consider what helps people participate, what creates barriers and how boxing environments, coaching and policy could become more inclusive.

Participants’ information will be anonymised, and the findings will be analysed with the intention of contributing to a published academic paper.

Research focus

Neurodiversity in boxing
Athlete experiences
Coaching experiences
Barriers to participation
Supportive and inclusive practice
Future boxing policy and provision

Why Union Jab is supporting this work

Union Jab was created to make genuine boxing coaching accessible to people who may not feel comfortable entering a traditional competitive boxing environment.

Our participants are not required to spar or compete. Instead, we use authentic boxing coaching as a route into exercise, confidence, personal development and social connection.

Many of the people we support are neurodivergent or benefit from a patient, predictable and individually responsive coaching environment.

Supporting this research reflects our commitment to:

listening to participant experiences
improving inclusive coaching practice
contributing practitioner knowledge
helping develop stronger evidence around neurodiversity in sport
connecting academic research with real community delivery

Union Jab is supporting awareness and recruitment for the project and contributing its perspective as a community boxing provider.

Internal Links:

Your experience can improve understanding

Neurodivergent people are not one uniform group.

Different athletes may experience boxing environments, coaching styles, communication, sensory demands, social expectations and competition in very different ways.

Coaches may also encounter challenges when trying to support participants without sufficient training, research or practical guidance.

By sharing real experiences, participants can help researchers better understand:

why some neurodivergent people thrive in boxing
why others find participation difficult
which coaching approaches help
which environments create unnecessary barriers
how athletes and coaches could be better supported
how future policies and practice could become more inclusive

Meaningful change begins with listening to the people directly affected.

Who can take part?

The research team would like to hear from adults aged 18 or over who meet either of the following descriptions.

Neurodivergent athletes

You participate, or have previously participated, in boxing or relevant sport and identify as neurodivergent.

You may have a formal diagnosis or self-identify as neurodivergent. An athlete is any individual that regularly engages in sport; recreational or competitive.

Sports coaches

You have experience coaching neurodivergent athletes and can share your perspective on the barriers, support needs and opportunities involved.

Possible forms of neurodivergence may include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurological differences.

Check Your Eligibility and Register

What will taking part involve?

Participation has been designed to be straightforward and accessible.

1. Complete a short survey

Begin with an online survey lasting approximately five minutes.

2. Attend one interview

You will be invited to one interview lasting approximately 45–75 minutes.

3. Choose how to participate

The interview can be conducted online or in person, depending on the available arrangements.

4. Share your experiences

You will be asked about your experiences as a neurodivergent athlete or your experiences coaching neurodivergent athletes.

You can take breaks at any time during the interview.

Summary:

Aged 18+
One interview only
Online or in-person participation
Breaks available
Data anonymised
Ethics-approved research

Research grounded in sport, neurodiversity and human performance

The project is being conducted through King’s College London.

King’s research in this area includes applied work concerning neurodiversity in sport and human performance, learning and complex motor skills, cognition and mental health.

Display panel

Institution: King’s College London
Study: Experiences of neurodiversity in boxing
Research format: Survey and individual interview
Ethics approval: LRS/RGO-25/26-53677
Participant age: 18+

Are you a neurodivergent athlete or sports coach?

Your experience could contribute to a better understanding of neurodiversity in boxing and help shape more inclusive future practice.

Whether your experience has been positive, difficult or mixed, the research team is interested in hearing your perspective.

Click Here to Take Part in the Research

Supporting contact

Questions about the research can be sent to:

Emily Lowery
King’s College London
emily.lowery@kcl.ac.uk

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a formal neurodivergence diagnosis?

No. Neurodivergent athletes can take part whether they have received a diagnosis or self-identify.

Do I need to be a competitive athlete?

The recruitment information does not state that participants must compete. The research is interested in people’s experiences within boxing and sport.

How long will participation take?

The initial online survey takes approximately five minutes. The interview will take approximately 45–75 minutes.

Is the interview online?

Interviews may take place online or in person.

Can I take a break during the interview?

Yes. Participants can request breaks at any point.

Will my identity be published?

The recruitment information states that participant data will be anonymised.

What will happen to the findings?

The findings will be analysed and are intended to contribute to an academic publication.

Who should I contact with questions?

Research-related questions should be sent to Emily Lowery at King’s College London.

Help build a more inclusive future for boxing

Research is strongest when it reflects the experiences of the people who participate in and deliver the sport.

Complete the short registration survey to express your interest.