Bellew, a renowned advocate for health, fitness and mental wellbeing, was on campus to film for the University’s new podcast, Edge Ahead, with its debut series, What’s in Your Head, focusing on the vital topic of mental health.
The new podcast is co-hosted by Bellew’s close friend, and Edge Hill honorary doctorate, Chris Kirkland. The first series aims to open conversations about mental health within the university community and beyond.
Prior to filming, Bellew was given a tour of the University’s sports facilities, which are available for the public to use.
Ahead of the new academic year, the University, made a major investment in the fitness suite at Edge Hill Sports Centre.
Bellew praised the campus, stating, “It’s an amazing facility. The staff are fantastic, and the quality of the facilities speak for itself.
“Everything is on site at the Ormskirk Campus, it is like its own little city. There is an athletic track, which I have used before, and an unbelievable pool accompanied by a great gym.
“It has got everything that you could possibly need and a huge sports hall to accommodate community classes and sports.”
Earlier this year, Edge Hill University announced that it would be the new home for West Lancashire junior football league.
The University welcomes more than 2,000 children each weekend to campus to play on the football pitches, with the aim to help shape the future of grassroots football in the region.
Bellew continued: “I love that Edge Hill is committed to supporting community sports groups like this. And it’s a great venue for members of the public to visit.
“Everything is in house, and it is so close. Ormskirk town centre is only just down the road, The University has everything that you need. The grounds are kept in fantastic condition, lovely walks and it is very rare that you have a university like that.”
Bellew is one of the most recognised figures in British boxing history, but he didn’t take the traditional route to the ring, and his career started later than many of his competitors.
Giving advice to mature students, who begin or return to higher education at the age of 21 or above, Bellew said: “My career took off later than most.
“I wanted to make sure that I had the right experience, and I was adequately ready to go into the pro-game.
“I was an amateur boxer and fought for my country around the world representing Great Britain and England but it’s all about if it’s the right time for you.
“In my mid-20s, I made my journey into the pro game, and I had all that experience of fighting the best amateurs in the world.
“My advice would be just give it everything you’ve got, you can’t fluke it, you must go through it. It’s a long, drawn-out process but stick with it and keep going.”
Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University as a mature student at one of our open days.
Watch Tony’s full tour below.
Below are the facilities available at Edge Hill Sports Centre.
Swimming pool
A 25-metre pool with six lanes, each with a starting block and optional turning board.
Sports halls
Three four court sports halls with spectator galleries (a double sports hall in the Sports Centre building and one hall in the Wilson building).
Gymnasium
A gymnasium located in the Wilson Building with a wooden sprung floor and spectator gallery.
Dance studio with sprung floor
Designed for reduced impact our dance studio with sprung floor is used for a wide range of activities and classes.
Athletics track
Eight-lane floodlit competition standard track with 2 x 10 lane straights and full field events.
Grass pitches
This includes five high quality grass pitches (one track infield) for football and rugby.
3G football/ rugby pitch
IFA 1* full sized floodlit football pitch suitable for high level football. With 3G synthetic grass, team dugouts and three small pitches across its width. The World Rugby accredited surface has union markings and removable posts suitable for training and matches.
3G football courts
Three floodlit football courts, each 40m x 20m with fixed recessed goals and 3G long pile synthetic grass, suitable for small-sided football. Also accredited surface for rugby training.
Hockey pitch
A full-sized floodlit pitch with short pile carpet of national match play standard. Marked with three small-sided football pitches across the width of the pitch.
Watch a tour of Edge Hill’s sports facilities on our YouTube channel.
October 14, 2025
