Amateur boxer and Persimmon Homes apprentice, Stephen Boyle, is set to experience the Commonwealth Games first hand when it comes to Glasgow this Summer.
The 17-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Garthamlock will have front row seats throughout the three week sporting event in preparation for his participation in the 2018 games in Sydney, Australia.
The youngster was initially chosen to take part in the boxing segment of the games this year but had his hopes dashed when the age restrictions changed earlier this year, he was told he would have to wait until the next series of games in four years time.
Stephen said he was delighted to be able to experience such a major sporting event: “I’m excited that the Commonwealth Games are coming to my home city. It would have been great to be able to box this year, but it gives me more time to increase my weight for the Sydney games.
“There are so many talented people and big names in Scottish sport so it is a real honour to be able to attend the Commonwealth Games alongside them.”
The four-time Scottish champion and first ever Scot to win a gold medal at the Brandenburg Cup in Germany has won a number of awards in the 7 years he’s been boxing.
“I love being up there doing my thing in the ring. It was incredible in Serbia and the GB championships last year where I managed to pick up silver medals. I can’t imagine what Sydney is going to be like in four years’ time, but I’m sure these games will prepare me for it and help me to find an official sponsor.”
The ambitious bricklayer, who is currently working at Persimmon Homes West Scotland’s The Beeches development in Garthamlock, says he works hard to fit his rigorous boxing training in around his working hours with Persimmon Homes. “I work 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday and train six evenings a week.
“I’ve just passed the first year of my apprenticeship with Persimmon and couldn’t be happier. Construction was always my first choice career, and being the UK’s leading home builder, this apprenticeship with Persimmon Homes was an opportunity not to be missed.
“Both my father, James Boyle, and my brother, James, are in the trade and have been working for Persimmon for the past eight years. I guess it’s in the blood!”
Alan Prickett, Persimmon Homes West Scotland’s construction director, said: “We are very excited for Stephen. He is diligent in everything he does. Not only has he proven himself over the past year while he’s been working with us at Persimmon, he has worked extremely hard to be at the top of his game in the Boxing circuit and we couldn’t be prouder.”