Ian McCartney MP

A new initiative by the English Amateur Boxing Association (ABAE) called ‘Gloves not Guns, Gangs or Knives, has been launched designed to give youngsters a diversion and offer them safer communities.

The scheme is based on a programme launched by USA Boxing - America's boxing governing body - and has been piloted at the Damilola Taylor Centre in Peckham.

It is hoped that it will role out through the ABAE's 750 boxing clubs and is championed by Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton, who will deliver boxing master classes.

Makerfield MP Ian McCartney is backing the scheme and will be raising awareness of the initiative with local ABAE clubs. Ian said, “Boxing is a sport which has been and continues to be the social glue in some local communities. The ‘Gloves not Guns, Gangs or Knives’ scheme is a great project using sport to combat crime, to get youths off the streets and into a controlled and disciplined environment that promotes positive activity through ABAE clubs, schools and community centres."

In addition the ABAE also launched the ASDAN Boxing Certificate of Personal Effectiveness which is the result of a partnership between the ABAE, ASDAN and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. It is a qualification the equivalent of a GCSE and is the first education initiative to be launched through a governing body of sport.

The ABAE hopes that the syllabus will engage with disaffected and marginalised young people and help them celebrate their achievements through a nationally recognised qualification.

Ian added, “Whilst the qualification is boxing-focused, it encompasses a range of basic skills that are vital to the development of young people; teaching them about health and safety, diet and nutrition and social responsibility, while encouraging them to design leaflets, produce videos and debate moral issues.”

For more information visit www.abae.co.uk