A Newcastle gym has started to offer free boxing classes for local children, to help keep them safe and off the streets in the ongoing battle against knife crime. Pro-Fitness Infusion in Hazlerigg started the campaign, named 'Knives Down/Gloves Up!' just over a month ago, and they already have over 25 kids taking part.
This decision was made partly in response to the murder of Gordon Gault, the 14 year old who was stabbed in Elswick, Newcastle. This event was the last straw for the owners and trainers at the gym, who decided to create free boxing sessions, the type that are not available anywhere else in the West End.
News of the sessions has spread by word of mouth and in just over a month, the numbers which were around five in the first session, have swelled to over 25, with no signs of reducing. In fact, there are now two weekly sessions instead of just the one as a result of the demand.
Josh Donathy, a personal trainer, who runs the boxing classes at Pro-Fitness Infusion, has spoken about how the classes were started and why he thinks boxing can be really beneficial to children in the local area.
"After seeing what happened with Gordon Gault, we wanted to do whatever we could to help keep kids off the street. I feel like there can be so much going on behind closed doors in one of their lives that you just don't know about, so it's important to do whatever you can to help.
"The classes are run for free and we give up our time to help the community. We have a donations box and all the money from that goes towards equipment and resources for the boxing classes. These classes are very important as we are helping to keep them safe and stop problems that are caused in the community.
"Boxing is helpful for a lot of reasons, not just the obvious of physical health. It is also important for people's mental health as it teaches self discipline and social skills as they interact with other kids at the classes. Parents have already thanked us, and they can clearly see a positive change in their child", he said.
Owner and coach at Pro-Fitness Infusion Louise Coats also gave her thoughts on the success of the classes so far and what they are so valuable to teens in the Newcastle community.
"My partner has done boxing for many years so this felt like a natural step in that sense. It has definitely felt like there has been a massive rise in knife crime and there are not many youth clubs to keep kids in the area occupied when they are not at school or at home.
"Boxing can be very important to these kids as it teaches them discipline and helps their physical health as well. It is important to get across that the skills they learn should not be used to bully other people and that bullying is not ok in any way, shape or form.
"Originally some kids came and just watched for a week, before they felt confident enough to join in. It was great to see that build up and to see their confidence grow to a point where they were happy to interact with other kids and learn a new skill at the same time."
Chroniclelive has launched our own campaign to help stamp out knife crime. Stop Knives taking Lives was launched this February following tragedies involving North East teens Tomasz Oleszak, 14, from Gateshead, Gordon Gault, 14, from Benwell in Newcastle, and now 15-year-old Holly Newton, from Haltwhistle, Northumberland. All of whom died in the short time since October.
The campaign has seen public figures, bereaved parents, footballers and sports people make the call for youngsters to stop carrying knives.
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