COACHES

Sam McLeod

Head Coach

Sparta Boxing Academy was founded in 2014 by Sam McLeod. Sam began boxing at the age of 12 and won multiple Eastern District and Scottish titles as a schoolboy and in 2016 as a Senior. Since the club was founded, the academy has produced multiple national champions along with British and International success. Sam holds a level 1 and level 2 in boxing coaching both recognised and ratified by the SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority) plus a level 3 certified Strength & Conditioning coach. He also holds a British Boxing Board of Control Trainer/Second licence for any boxers wishing to transition into the professional ranks. Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps into the ring or a seasoned athlete aiming for professional success, I am here to help you reach your fullest potential.

Vitali Cojocar

Boxing Coach

Vitali Cojocar is recognised as an AIBA one star coach from Moldova and also holds a level 1 and level 2 both recognised and ratified by the SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority), Vitali has travelled and coached in some major tournaments like the European Amatuer championships and even the world championships. His teaching methods are that of the Soviet Union. Vitali has been coaching since 1996 and in 1999 produced two champions of Moldova. In 2001 one of the boys then won the European championships in 2001. In 2003 the same boy became Moldovan senior champion and his greatest achievement to date was coaching the boy to the Olympics in Athens 2004 where his young student just missed out on a medal. In 2016 Vitali participated in the world championships in St Petersburg, Russia as part of the Moldovan National Team. Vitali was also part of the coaching staff for the Moldovan national team amongst schoolboys/girls, juniors and youth

Biagio Falcone

Boxing Coach

Biagio is a former 3x Eastern District and 3x Scottish Champion as well as British Federation Amateur Champion. Biagio then turned professional and won 10 fights undefeated before suffering his 1st loss and was ranked in the top 10 inthe professional British rankings at Middleweight before he retired due to recurring injuries with a final fight record of 17 fights, 14 wins, 7 by KO and 3 defeats.

Biagio has 35 years of boxing experience and now passes on his fountain of knowledge to our members at Sparta Boxing Academy.Biagio is also certified in personal training and has an Advanced Instructor Level 3. He also holds his level 1 & 2 coaching qualifications in boxing and has a Sports Coaching SCQF Level 4. Biagio is also stands as Sparta’s Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer

Alongside Sam McLeod (Head Coach) Biagio also holds a British Boxing Board of Control Trainer/Second licence and First Aid Licence for amateur boxers wishing to go professional.

John O’Reilly

Boxing Coach

ohn O’Reilly is a dedicated and accomplished boxing coach with a lifelong passion for the sport. Having laced up his gloves for the first time at the age of 10, John quickly found himself immersed in the world of boxing.

Throughout his competitive career, John secured the title of 2-time Essex Champion and 2-time London Champion, showcasing his dominance at the regional level. His abilities further shone through as he claimed the title of 3-time Southern England Champion.

John’s outstanding achievements continued as he reached the English National Final twice. His exceptional performance in the ring also caught the attention of the national coaches, leading to his representation of England internationally on two separate occasions.

John concluded is amateur career with a record of 55 bouts, including 40 wins and 15 losses. John has brought his wealth of experience and first hand knowledge to Sparta, where he has been making a profound impact as a coach for the past 18 months. John’s role as a mentor make him an integral part of the Sparta team, where his influence continues to shape the next generation of talented boxers.

Colin Green

Boxing Coach & Working Official

Colin has trained over the years with clubs including 1314, Kilsyth Golden Gloves and Stirling Uni, and has been at Sparta since 2016. He helps coach the kids and youth classes and travels with the boxers to competitions and training camps

“I was never consistent or serious enough when I was younger, but since my two boys started boxing I recognise how vital Sparta’s been to their development – and the physical, social and mental health benefits of boxing throughout a community – so I help Sam and the team any way I can, and hopefully others can benefit from the fantastic work they do”

As well as gaining his Boxing Scotland coaching and judging qualifications, Colin is the Sparta delegate and represents the club in the Eastern District