20/08/2026
🥊 The power of sport, community and connection
Today, the Mental Health Friendly Places team had the pleasure of visiting Leicester Combat Academy, based in St Matthew’s, Leicester.
Leicester Combat Academy is a fantastic community hub supporting men from the BAME community, using the power of combat sports to bring people together and build a strong sense of connection and belonging.
Chairman Nasser Hussain spoke about how combat sports can provide much more than physical exercise. For many men, life events such as bereavement, family difficulties, isolation and other challenges can have an impact on their mental wellbeing, without them necessarily recognising it as a mental health issue.
Leicester Combat Academy provides a safe and supportive place where men can:
🥊 Connect with others
💪 Build confidence and resilience
🧠 Support their mental wellbeing
🏃 Improve their physical health
🤝 Build friendships and a sense of community
🎯 Develop discipline and coping skills to help face life’s challenges
Leicester Combat Academy are proud to be a Mental Health Friendly Club, and it was fantastic to see the incredible work they are doing to support men in their local community through the power of sport.
If you’re part of a sports club or gym and would like to become a Mental Health Friendly Club and help make a difference in your community, you can sign up here:
👉 https://www.startaconversation.co.uk/mental-health-friendly-clubs
Start a conversation. Make a difference.