Ogden City and Foley’s Mixed Martial Arts Partner to Provide Free Boxing Program for Youth

OGDEN — A new partnership between Ogden City and Foley’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is providing free boxing training to underserved youth in the area. The program, which began in January 2026, aims to offer a safe and constructive after-school activity for children aged eight and up, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Program Details and Funding

The initiative was launched in response to a request for proposals (RFP) from Ogden City for a youth boxing program. Foley’s MMA, founded nearly two decades ago, submitted a proposal that was accepted by the city. The first year of the program is funded by $30,000 in seed money, with $15,000 coming from the Ogden City Recreation Department and $15,000 from the Ogden Police Department. Foley’s MMA is matching this funding.

According to David Foley, owner and operator of Foley’s MMA, the long-term goal is for the program to become self-sustaining. Foley’s has established a non-profit organization to raise funds, with the aim of reducing the city’s financial contribution to 50% by the second year and securing full funding through the non-profit by the third year. Foley’s MMA is located at 375 31st Street in Ogden, UT.

A Safe Space and Character Development

The program operates Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. To 5:30 p.m., focusing on the fundamentals of USA Boxing amateur boxing. However, organizers emphasize that the program offers more than just athletic training.

“It’s a place where, if you’re bullied and if you’re down and out, this is a place where you can come in and get your confidence back,” said Pat Nielsen, an assistant at Foley’s MMA. “It’s a place where you can kind of have a family environment, and it’s a program where Dave focuses specifically on skills that will help anybody—not just in boxing—but also throughout their lives in school, high school and after.”

Armando Reyes, assistant head coach at Foley’s MMA, echoed this sentiment, sharing his personal experience. “I was bullied growing up,” Reyes said. “This is a great class for the kids due to the fact that it teaches them confidence, it teaches them to stand up for themselves… It’s just a great program for them.”

City Officials Express Support

Ogden City officials have expressed strong support for the program. Mayor Ben Nadolski visited Foley’s MMA last week to observe a class and praised the engagement and focus of the participating children. Luis Lopez, Ogden City Community Engagement Director, highlighted the program’s importance for youth development, character building, and academic success.

The program currently serves around 15 students, with the capacity to accommodate up to 30. David Foley encourages continued participation, suggesting that seasonal involvement can help prevent burnout. He hopes the program will continue indefinitely, building on his long-standing commitment to the Ogden community.

Foley’s MMA: A Community Hub

Foley, a lifelong Ogden resident, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to expand his gym’s impact. Having started boxing at the Marshall White Center, he has a deep-rooted passion for the sport and a desire to provide access to it for all youth. He has already trained both adult and youth national champions.

“I have kids coming in here that cannot afford it that now have a gym and a coach five days per week that they can train with,” Foley said, calling the program a “dream come true.”