Knives down, gloves up
BOXERS are calling on youngsters to put down their knives and take up sport.
The campaign, Knives Down Gloves Up, was brought to Newcastle city centre on Sunday where a boxing ring was set up on Northumberland Street and youngsters were encouraged to give the activity a go.
Paul Kavanagh, a professional boxing coach, founded the group and began the initiative in London.
However, he is now taking it across the country in an effort to get children “off the streets”.
As part of the scheme, amateur boxing clubs are invited to enrol on the programme and offer at least two hours of free sessions each week to young people in the community.
The Grainger Park Boxing Club, on Denton Road, in Scotswood, has signed up and was helping to showcase the sport to shoppers and their families at the weekend.
Mr Kavanagh said: “Our aim is to get kids off the street and into amateur boxing clubs.
“We are not just targeting knife crime but anti-social behaviour too. This gives kids something to do.
“This is not just boxing, it’s exercise and provides a sense of wellbeing and confidence. Amateur boxing can play a big part in mentoring young children.
“The idea is to take it further and also carry out career and education work.”
William Armstrong, who has been a coach at the Grainger Park club for more than 40 years, said it was worrying when there were incidents involving knives and other weapons in the community.
He said people were still shocked about the death of solicitor Peter Duncan, who was murdered by Ewan Ireland in Eldon Square in August.
Ireland, who was 17 at the time, stabbed the loving dad with a stolen screwdriver.
Mr Amstrong said: “You hear about people being stabbed all the time and it’s very sad.
“Our aim is to get kids off the street and give them something to do. If you can give them something to focus on, they will be less likely to carry weapons and commit crimes.
“If we can get people to put their knives down, we are doing our bit for society.”
If you can give kids comething to focus on, they will be less likely to carry weapons and commit crimes William Armstrong