‘Gloves Not Blades’: Artful Dodgers Gym launches campaign to tackle knife crime in Portsmouth

The launch, which drew together local businesses, professional boxers, MPs, councillors, and the Lord Mayor and Mayoress, highlighted the gym's role in supporting underprivileged youth, including those in foster care or facing bullying, by providing free or low-cost sessions.

Volunteers and local shops have rallied behind the unfunded effort, which seeks greater political backing and funding to expand. Interest is already growing from nearby Basingstoke, though challenges like limited resources and school engagement persist.

The campaign's motto, "Fight in the ring not on the street," aims to steer young people away from gang and knife crime by offering boxing as a disciplined alternative in a safe, welcoming environment.

PC Kelleher, a local officer present at the event, praised the club's impact: ‘I just think so many today don't understand the impact that they have on carrying a knife and the lasting effects it can have when knives are used in fights. And I think the campaign and boxing club is such a great idea because it gets kids off the streets and creates a safe environment for them.’

Mollie Holland, 15, from Cosham, shared her personal gains: ‘Boxing gives you confidence, it improves your fitness and gives you more inspiration.’

Her father, Martin Holland, added: ‘She's come so far. Mollie had trouble in school with bullying, then came into the ring, let out her anger and it helps by keeping her off the street.’

Sharlene Bouche-Carter, Level 1 England Boxing Coach and Welfare Officer, emphasised the urgency: ‘To get as many youths off the streets as possible. We know that we're in high demand and these kids are at the forefront of it, and we need to give them somewhere to go to feel safe, welcomed, loved, most important, themselves and that's what our Boxing Gym does, it creates a family that they may not already have.’

Andy Wells, who runs Artful Dodgers Gym, outlined the broader community threats: ‘We have a lot of youngsters on the street who haven't got a focus or a place to go. We are now seeing it too often: they are tormenting shopkeepers, they are getting into trouble, they are meeting people they shouldn't be around and getting involved with things they shouldn't be doing.

'This includes theft and drugs, and obviously, the main concern is the knife and gang culture that's starting to build up and is filtering into our communities. I know this is predominantly based in London, Liverpool, and Manchester—big cities—but I feel that Portsmouth isn't too far behind any of these big cities.

'It normally replicates what goes on, perhaps four or five years later, let's say. I think if we really make a stand now, we may be able to make a difference.’

Matt Wilkie, a parent and campaigner, explained the campaign's dual focus on youth and local high streets: ‘This initiative is important for the local community. Obviously gang crime and knife crime is on the rise.'

What we decided was to come up with a campaign, one to put the Artful Dodgers on the map in the local community so we can start to get our presence out there. Mainly because there's not much in the Cosham area or around Farlington and Drayton. It was also about trying to help the businesses in the high street. There's a lot of crime going on down here. So we reached out to the local community and local shops, and they fully supported the initiative.

It's about underprivileged children as well. We're looking to help those who can't afford activities, give them a safe space to come to, children who are in foster care, free sessions, inclusive to all youngsters, giving them an opportunity to get into boxing for discipline and keeping them safe.’

Amanda Martin MP endorsed the effort and tried the ring herself: ‘This initiative is vital [to] give amnesty to knives. Also vital to provide safe spaces to come along to. The volunteers here at Artful Dodgers Gym are all 'absolute champions' particularly for setting up this campaign, an initiative for Gloves over blades is definitely welcomed to our community.’

When asked how it felt to get in the boxing ring: ‘It felt so good!!’

Mary Vallely, local Labour councillor, drew from her own background: ‘I fully support the project; it is a great idea. And I am here to help where I can. I'm from Northern Ireland and boxing has created great opportunities keeping the young people off the streets (particularly those involved with terrorism).’

The Lord Mayor & Mayoress of Portsmouth were also in attendance, showing civic support.

• Dan Salmon, 21, a national finals amateur with a 4-0 record, said: ‘Keep people off streets and out of trouble.’
• Oliver-Rae Wells, 19, reflected: ‘Better opportunities in life [for] young kids off street. I’ve been coming since aged 5, it’s basically my second home!!’
• Tyler-Jae Wells, 20, echoed the importance of the campaign: 'Gloves over blades all day long.'

In a joint final statement, Andy Wells and Matt Wilkie stressed collaboration and next steps: ‘While the initiative appears to have good general awareness among the schools ("a lot of the schools do know about us"), the core challenge is transforming this knowledge into a practical commitment. The current goal is to "get them in to us".

This means moving beyond distributing leaflets and general information to having staff, students, or representatives physically engage with the program.

For "Gloves Not Blades" to succeed in tackling knife crime, the senior schools must transition from being aware of the program to being active partners in its delivery.

This initiative is of prime importance in the Portsmouth area and its surroundings. I believe all clubs in Portsmouth—not just ours, but all the boxing and football clubs—should share this effort. The message is 'Gloves, not blades.' It's not just for us; it's for everyone.

We want to raise awareness that if kids have troubles, they can come in here and discuss them. They have a safe place where things won't be repeated. We want them to know they can run in here for any reason, even if someone is chasing them. And if they are carrying knives, we are hoping to get an amnesty bin.

We had the police here today, and they brought one along. We really need to get that message out: there is a different way, and boxing is the way.’

The event featured a knife amnesty bin provided by police, live boxing demos, and calls for more volunteers and donations.

Artful Dodgers urges schools, businesses, and residents to get involved – contact the gym to help keep gloves up and blades down. [email protected]