A talented 15-year-old boxer from Newton Aycliffe is preparing to represent her country on the European stage after being selected for England’s 15-strong squad heading to the U17 European Championships in Montenegro.
Emily Denham, who boxes out of Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club, has been selected to compete in the women’s U70kg category at the championships in Budva from 1st-12th October 2026.
The selection marks another major milestone for the Newton Aycliffe teenager and will see Emily return to Montenegro, where she was crowned U15 European Champion in 2025.
Emily’s achievements also include becoming Cadet Schools Champion, Class A Schools Champion, Class B Schools Champion and Junior 4 Nations Champion, building an impressive record of national and international success, despite being just 15 years old.
As a member of the England Boxing Performance Pathway, Emily regularly travels to Sheffield for England training, alongside maintaining a demanding daily training and running schedule.
Her long-term ambition is to represent Great Britain at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
Looking ahead to the championships, and her longer-term ambitions, Emily said: “I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to represent England again.
“Boxing is a huge part of my life, and I’m grateful to everyone who supports me, especially my family, my coaches and everyone at Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club. My dream is to one day compete at the Olympic Games, and I’m determined to work as hard as I can to give myself the best chance of getting there.”
Behind Emily’s achievements is a strong support network. Her parents, Sean and Sarah, have supported her throughout her boxing journey, with Sean also playing an active role in her training at the club, as a coach and sparring partner.
Emily has also received strong support from Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club, which has played an important role in her development and achievements since she first took up the sport.
Les Gibson, owner of Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club, who will travel to Montenegro to support Emily at the championships, said: “Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of Emily. We’ve watched her develop from a 10-year-old, just starting out in boxing, into a European champion representing her country.
“She is a fantastic young boxer and a great example to others. I’m delighted to be travelling to Montenegro to support her and, along with everyone at Aycliffe Amateur Boxing Club, I’ll be wishing her the very best of luck. She has an incredibly exciting future ahead of her.”
Help Support Emily’s Journey
With Emily already achieving national and international success at just 15 and progressing through the England Boxing pathway, businesses have an exciting opportunity to support her at an early stage in what could be a remarkable boxing career.
As Emily continues to develop and compete at national and international level, sponsorship will help towards the costs of training, travel and competing at an elite level, as she works towards her ultimate ambition of representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games.
For a local or regional business, it is an opportunity to support an ambitious young North East athlete early in her journey, share in her progress and be associated with her achievements as her career develops.
Businesses interested in becoming part of Emily’s journey, and discussing sponsorship opportunities, can contact Sean Denham at: sean296@googlemail.com. You can also follow Emily’s journey on Instagram – @emilydenham42.