Gloves Not Gangs

05/03/2026

At Blades Down and Gloves Not Gangs, we believe prevention has to be practical. It has to meet young people where they are. That is why boxing plays such a powerful role the KnockOut Violence Project.

Boxing is often misunderstood. People see the sport and think aggression. What we see is discipline. Structure. Control.

When a young person steps into a session, they are not just learning how to throw a punch. They are learning how to regulate their breathing when their heart rate rises. They are learning how to stay focused under pressure. They are learning that power without control is pointless.

The mental health benefits are significant. Boxing provides a safe and healthy outlet for anger and frustration. The physical exertion releases tension and boosts mood. The routine of training offers stability, especially for young people whose lives may feel unpredictable. We see confidence grow session by session. Not loud, performative confidence, but the quiet kind that comes from knowing you can push through discomfort and achieve something.

There is also something incredibly empowering about progress. Hitting a personal best. Mastering a new combination. Completing a tough round and realising you did not quit. Those moments build resilience in ways a classroom sometimes cannot.

Physically, the benefits are clear. Improved cardiovascular health. Increased strength. Better coordination and balance. Boxing challenges the whole body. It encourages young people to look after themselves, to fuel properly, to rest, and to respect what their bodies are capable of.

But perhaps the most important impact is the shift in identity.

Through the KnockOut Violence Project, we create a space where young people are recognised for commitment, effort and growth. They are not labelled by mistakes or assumptions. They are part of a team. They have mentors who expect more from them. They are surrounded by peers choosing training over trouble.

The KnockOut Violence Project reinforces one core message. Real strength is self control. Real status comes from discipline. Real courage is walking away.

Boxing does not glorify violence in our programmes. It interrupts it. It redirects energy. It builds belonging. It gives young people a positive outlet and a clear alternative.

When a young person chooses gloves over gangs, that is not just a session completed. That is prevention in action.

05/02/2026

Gloves Not Gangs is proud to be part of World CP Boxing Club. Our mission is to give young people direction, structure, and positive choices through boxing, physical activity, and strong community values.

Our Gloves Not Gangs campaign plays a major role in supporting the wider community, helping school and youth members build practical skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose, while encouraging healthy routines and positive decision-making.

We provide a safe, supportive space where young people learn boxing skills, improve fitness, and focus on emotional wellbeing, teamwork, trust, and respect, values that sit at the heart of everything we teach. Through our classes, we guide young people down the right path, showing them that choices matter and support is always available.

Our 4:30pm beginners class is the perfect place to start, building foundations, confidence, and the right mindset, with clear progression into mainstream classes and opportunities to represent the club in competitions as they grow.

Gloves Not Gangs is about growth, discipline, and belief, helping young people become the best version of themselves.

16/01/2026

Another fantastic night at the Fearless Futures Project and the KnockOut Violence Project.
Our Fearless Futures session started strong, with the girls focusing on personal boundaries and our mentors leading the way. We were also delighted to welcome a new mentor this evening. Willow was a fantastic addition to the team, getting fully involved and supporting the girls brilliantly.
Over at the KnockOut Violence Project, we spent time reflecting on the incredible work our young people have been doing in the community, raising awareness of knife crime and youth violence. This was followed by a workout where the group took part in pad work and bag work. A huge shout out goes to Ria, who was a fantastic coach and did an amazing job supporting and motivating the girls.
So proud of everyone involved and the positive impact being made every single week.

15/01/2026

Gloves Not Gangs 🥊

Over the years, our Gloves Not Gangs campaign has been proudly supported and backed by some of the biggest names in boxing history, including Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Their belief in our message reinforces what we stand for: discipline, positive choices, and giving young people a better path forward. Having legends of the sport recognise and support our work is a huge honour and a powerful reminder that boxing can be a force for real, lasting change in our communities

31/12/2025

Gloves Not Gangs 🥊

As 2025 comes to an end, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year, our members, families, volunteers, partners, supporters, and the wider community. Your time, energy, and belief in what we do make everything possible.

This year has shown the power of community spirit, teamwork, and working together. Every session, every conversation, and every bit of support has helped us continue making a real difference.

As we move into 2026, we’re excited about some big community projects planned, focused on positive choices, education, mentoring, physical activity, and continuing to support and protect our young people and vulnerable members of our community.

From all of us at Gloves Not Gangs, we wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and positive New Year. Thank you for being part of the journey, the best is still to come. 💪

20/12/2025

28/11/2025

Last night at the KnockOut Violence Project everyone threw themselves into the session with real energy. Our circuit training pushed the group in the best way and the atmosphere was full of encouragement and determination.

Our new starters jumped straight into the pad work and really impressed us with their focus. Our girls spent time stretching and talking openly about the highs and lows of their week, creating a space that felt supportive and empowering.

Next week we welcome Brian from GoFirst Training Ltd . He will be guiding our young people through the practical steps of using bleed kits, building their confidence and giving them vital knowledge that could one day save a life. This is an important part of what we do, helping them grow stronger not only in body but in awareness and responsibility.

06/11/2025

Gloves Not Gangs 🥊

Over the past year, we’ve worked closely with Blades Down CIC to tackle knife crime and build a safer, stronger community. 💪

Every knife surrendered could mean a life saved. Every voice raised helps protect our streets.

Let’s show that Ellesmere Port stands together,youth, for safer streets and brighter futures. ❤️

Please sign the petition

Knife crime is on the rise AGAIN! and it’s hitting too close to home. We cannot stand by and wait for another tragedy to happen before real action is taken.

Blades Down CIC are calling on our local council to install secure knife surrender bins across Ellesmere Port and the surrounding areas, not just in police stations, but right in the heart of our communities, accessible all year round.

We launched this petition back in July, and with the worrying increase in knife-related incidents, it’s more important than ever that we all come together and push this forward. We need every share, every signature, and every voice behind it.

Right now, surrendering a weapon often means walking into a police station and let’s be honest, that can feel intimidating, especially for young people who may want to make a change but fear they’ll get into trouble. We need to meet people where they are in our neighbourhoods, community hubs, and public spaces.

What Are Secure Surrender Bins?

They’re tamper-proof, lockable containers secured into the ground, allowing individuals to anonymously dispose of knives and other weapons safely. Once surrendered, these items are destroyed — no questions asked.

Why Do They Work?

➡️They remove weapons from circulation.

➡️They provide a non-judgemental route to change.

➡️They have been proven to reduce weapon-carrying when placed in trusted community spaces.

In other towns, thousands of knives have been surrendered through community-based bins. Every single one represents a life potentially saved.

🔴Temporary bins during awareness weeks are not enough.
🔴We don’t face knife crime once a year — we face it every day.
🔴We need permanent solutions for a permanent problem.

Please sign and share the petition today. Let’s show the council that Ellesmere Port is united and ready to take real, lasting action to protect our young people and make our streets safer.

🔗 Sign here: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/secure-our-streets-install-knife-surrender-bins

Please note: the petition site may ask for a donation — this is not for us. Please do not donate.

27/10/2025

We absolutely welcome this news and are pleased to see continued action being taken to address knife crime and youth violence across our borough. Gloves Not Gangs has been actively involved in tackling youth violence for over 15 years, working directly with young people and communities to steer them towards safer and more positive paths.

Since May 2024, Gloves Not Gangs has been working solely in partnership with Blades Down CIC, and together we’ve seen incredible support from the local community and from our Mayor, Cllr Katie Kendrick OBE - Netherpool Ward. We would welcome more active involvement from other local councillors who are passionate about making real change and supporting grassroots projects like ours.

Our partnership with Blades Down CIC has already made a noticeable impact in raising awareness of knife crime across Ellesmere Port. We’ve delivered safety workshops in Primary and High Schools, provided knife crime self-defence and first aid training, and hosted targeted anti-youth violence sessions. We’ve also helped develop the Port Aid App, a vital resource connecting young people with local support and safe spaces.

We’re proud to have funded and placed over 30 bleed control kits across Ellesmere Port with Blades Down CIC, making our community safer and more prepared in emergencies. Looking ahead, we’re working with the Let’s Be Blunt Campaign to host a Safe Knife Swap event, offering families a chance to hand in knives safely and make their homes safer.

Our shared goal remains clear, to empower young people, save lives, and build a safer Ellesmere Port.

On December 12, 2024, I submitted a motion to Cheshire West and Chester Council's Full Council to help stop young people from getting involved in violent crime following the tragic death of Lloyd Velasquez in Ellesmere Port last year. I'm pleased to update you that this year I've had the opportunity to sit on the Council's scrutiny task group, reviewing the work of our local Community Safety Partnership (CSP) in relation to 'Serious Violence' (which includes knife crime).
I am pleased to inform you that the four key points I raised in my motion for the Council to address on this important issue for our communities are being progressed. These points include:

- Launching a scrutiny task force to identify grassroots youth, sports, and community organizations that could contribute to knife crime reduction in our borough.
- Writing to the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner to explore the possibility of small grant funding for these groups through the proceeds of crime fund.
- Creating an information pack with our Community Safety Team to advise suitable organizations around the Borough on how to identify children at risk of gang involvement and potential funding opportunities for targeted work.
- Considering other suitable locations for the provision of 'bleed kits' in our Borough.

I am delighted to share that excellent work is already being done in this area by agencies within our Community Safety Partnership.

With thanks to Lee Holmes and Danni May with the Gloves not Gangs initiative and also CWAC Youth Service, there are now 35 bleed kits distributed across Ellesmere Port and I'm proud to say that because of my motion, this year this approach will be extended across Chester, Northwich, and Winsford in 2025/26 under the 'Police Crime Commissioner' funded ‘Fighting for Change’ programme.

11/10/2025

KnockOut Violence Project Update

On Thursday, we celebrated one of our incredible members, Noah, who was awarded Star of the Month! Noah always turns up ready to learn, work hard, and give 100% to every session. He’s a true team player and an absolute asset to our group.

This month also marks an exciting shift within the KnockOut Violence Project. Lee and Danni are beginning to take a step back from leading sessions to allow our Ambassadors and Youth Mentors to take the reins. 💪

We believe it’s so important for our young people to gain experience in planning and leading sessions. Not only does it build confidence and teamwork, but it also helps develop valuable life and career skills that will benefit them long into the future.

Our Youth Mentor Lydia is starting her Youth Mental Health First Aid training, taking an active role in supporting the mental wellbeing of our young people. Meanwhile, Dylan, another of our brilliant youth mentors, has completed safeguarding training and continues to lead by example as a positive role model for others.

We’re so proud of how far our young people have come and can’t wait to see what they plan and achieve over the next year. 🙌

16/09/2025

🔥 What a class! 🔥
High intensity. High effort. High energy. 💪🥊

Respect to everyone who showed up and smashed it 👊

💥 Stronger bodies, stronger minds
⚡ Power, purpose, positive energy
🏋️ From sweat to strength, from strength to change

New members always welcome