The Belfast pugilist switched sports two years ago when he agreed to help south Belfast football club Carryduff Colts who needed coaches.

So how did ‘The Jackal’ end up being a volunteer in grassroots sport after such an elite career in the boxing ring?

“I used to go and watch and watch my daughter Carla play a couple of times a week,” he said.

“Then the number of players grew and there was a call for volunteer coaches.

“They asked if any of the dads were free to help with the team and I was.”

Father of three Carl — he has a son Rossa (nine) and another daughter Mila (one and a half) with wife Christine —said he doesn’t regret trading in his boxing gloves for football boots.

“I really enjoy helping out with Carla’s team,” he said.

“It’s a real passion of mine and I know how important volunteers are.

“I’m from an amateur boxing background and my coach (the late Billy McKee) was out of pocket himself a lot to help out the club.”

And does 13-year-old Carla like having her dad as a coach?

“We have arguments all the time when I’m trying to give her advice, but I think she likes it,” he admitted.

“Our bond has become stronger and we’ve grown closer. I don’t shout. I’m very positive with my kids.”

He added: “Carla is a good player. She’s very skilful, fast and brave too.”

Carl, who has been a volunteer coach for the past two years, said his son Rossa is also mad about football.

As a result of taking both siblings to their respective training sessions, as well as matches, he added: “Football has taken over my life.”

Unsurprisingly, though, Carl said he wanted to continue to do his bit to help out his daughter’s club because he knows “how important volunteers are to keeping things running smoothly”.

Carl recently presented the Volunteer of the Year award to a well-deserving recipient at McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards, which he said was a humbling experience to be involved in.

The awards recognise the commitment of football clubs and volunteers who make a long-lasting impact on young people and communities in Northern Ireland, which explains why Carl was delighted to have been involved.

“I believe it is so important for children to get involved in sport,” he said.

“I am 100% behind initiatives that are dedicated to helping them get active and reduce screen time.”