Carrick's Iain Mahood 'completely shocked' after winning Ulster Boxing's Coach of the Year Award

Iain Mahood, from Evolution Boxing Club in West Street, was named Ulster Boxing Council's Club and Community Coach of the Year, recognising his years of commitment to developing young fighters and supporting grassroots boxing in the Carrickfergus area.

Iain has long been a respected figure within the local boxing scene, spending countless hours in the gym mentoring young athletes and providing opportunities for people in the community to get involved in the sport.

Throughout his coaching career he has helped guide numerous boxers from beginner level through to elite competition, with fighters achieving success at provincial, national and International level.

Among the many boxers he has worked with is professional Anthony Cacace, who under Iain went on to become both a British champion and a world champion.

While producing champions is a major achievement, his work has also been widely praised for the impact it has had on young people within the community. Through boxing he has helped many young athletes build confidence, discipline and respect while providing a positive environment for them to grow and develop.

Speaking after receiving the award, Iansaid the recognition came as a complete surprise.

“I was completely shocked when my name was called out. I really wasn’t expecting it,” he said.

“I’d like to thank whoever nominated me. Seeing young people develop both in boxing and in life is the real reward.

“This belongs to the whole club the boxers, parents and volunteers who support what we do every week.”

The Club and Community Coach of the Year Awards recognise coaches who have made an outstanding contribution to boxing at grassroots level, and Iain Mahood’s work continues to play an important role in developing the next generation of fighters in the famous Evolution Boxing Club in Carrickfergus.