Huddersfield church's knock out plan to tackle knife crime

Baldy continued: “We choose the avenue of boxing to get these messages across. With boxing you do your session, but you listen to the coaches as well. It does go in, even some of the mums and dads are taking on these messages. You can see it in the way a four-year-old will repeat back to me the importance of not carrying knives, it is sinking in.

“Physically boxing is one of the hardest sports, the physical part helps you maintain a healthy weight, helps with agility, mobility and it gets rid of so much frustration. Mentally it gives you that release and helps youngsters combat the pressures they are under day to day.” 

One parent, who has three children aged four, eight and 10 attending, said: “They love it, you don’t normally get stuff like that for kids, so it’s brilliant. It’s definitely helped with their confidence. My girl has really come out of her shell since she’s been here. It’s not just about training, it’s all the things they say to them and talking about ‘fists over knives’, it’s good to start talking about this early.” 

One participant, 17, said; “I enjoy it, it’s nice being with my friends and I like boxing. It’s made me be more aware of being safe and not getting in with the wrong crowds.”

Katie, who brings members of her youth group to the sessions, said: “It’s thanks to The Salvation Army we’re able to bring them to things like this. You can see how engaged these kids are, they love it, and it’s important to talk about knife crime. If it stops one of them getting hurt or hurting someone else it’s worth it.”