SPORTS' don't get any more 'individual' than boxing, but it's something newly appointed Boxing NSW head coach Nudge Mieli is looking to change.
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The Albion Park-based coach moved into the coveted role this month after two years working with the NSW Futures program developed by former Olympian Jamie Pittman.
He's looking to continue that state-wide development pathway, while also overseeing the elite program with the aim of returning it to benchmark status in Australia.
"You put your heart and soul into what you do so it's something I've very proud of," Mieli said.
"It's a big role, it's a hard role, but I'm excited about it. Through the Futures program we've had the best results we've had since 2014 but it's not just about results.
"I think the biggest thing is what I've tried to instil in the younger ones in terms of culture. The culture hasn't always been great, it's been hit and miss, and I said to the board it can't be just me, I need good coaches.
"Development's been sadly lacking so that's my biggest target, developing the sport, getting out to regional areas and developing coaches as well."
In stark contrast to other sports, development of coaches is often neglected in boxing.
In a sport where athletes spend 90 per cent of their time in their home gyms under their own coaches, it's vital according to Mieli.
"In the past it's been a major issue for athletes and home coaches, they feel you're taking their athletes off them," Mieli said.
"What I try to do is involve all the home coaches. At the Futures program we conducted on Sunday I asked all the home coaches to attend.
"In rugby league, in soccer, whatever the sport, you need to have good staff around you. I'm involving not just regional coaches but the home coaches.
"I'm not trying to take their athlete, I don't try and change their style or anything like that, it's about getting them together collectively as a group and making changes, positive changes."
A major part of that will be streamlining pathways for developing fighters and a broadening of elite programs chasing national and international gold.
"The Futures program was developed by Jamie Pittman because there wasn't a clear pathway for kids to follow. I want to change that," he said.
"With the NSW team I've got to familiarise myself with the elites and I've got some ideas in regards to not having a number one athlete, I want a top three that develop each other.
"With some changes to the structure and culture, I'm pretty confident in two or three years we can get back to being the best state in the country."