A unique initiative helping boxers with financial advice and employment opportunities has launched in Manchester.

Maverick Stars Trust has teamed up with FCI Markets – a leading financial services provider – to deliver a 12-session course, teaching fighters of all abilities about finance and trading. The company has a wealth of experience in the sector and already works in football, advising young professionals.

FCI chief executive and founder Steve Tyjas said: “There’s a very big synergy between trading and the life of a sportsman. You have to have that commitment to excel in any kind of sport and it’s the same with trading. You need to have that dedication.

“We want to try and show them there’s an opportunity, should they have a career ending injury or just coming to the end of their career, that there is something else that will see them well in the future.

“People think of the financial markets the wrong way. They think you need to have a university degree or be highly educated to do it. We’re trying to show that you don’t. I’m not the most educated guy out there – it’s just about having a bit of common sense, sticking to the rules, being disciplined, and committed. This is open to anyone and everyone.”

The course guides participants through the practicalities of trading, step by step, starting with the basics and working up to

“We start by showing them how to load a trading platform and what the numbers are that you see on that platform. We can grow it to the advanced, where you’re looking at all the analytics into the charting and the daily movement of each price, currency and stock,” Steve added.

Steve and his team are initially delivering the project at Collyhurst & Moston ABC, with plans to extend to other gyms. FCI plans to offer work experience placements with a view to full time employment for the right candidates.