A GYM in Birkenhead has introduced Royal Marines and Royal Navy training to Wirral children in a bid to tackle knife and gang crime.

Two Brothers Gym in Birkenhead became the latest venue to benefit from the expertise of commandos and sailors, using martial arts to harness unspent energy and aggression – and also open young people’s eyes to a potential career in the Forces.

Over the past year, Navy and commando volunteers have been running workout sessions across northern and north-eastern England, delivering fitness and martial arts training to young people as part of the Royal Navy Combat Sports Initiative.

It is driven by personnel who found themselves returning home after extended periods away on deployment and the communities they love blighted by a growing gang culture and knife crime.

They decided to fight back – drawing on their experiences and values, working with gyms, the police, councils and other crime-tackling authorities and groups. 

Liverpudlian and Royal Navy Physical Training Instructor Dan Shannon gave up his time to put some of the 100 Wirral youngsters who attended the inaugural workout through their paces.

He said: “Sessions like these, supporting local crime-fighting authorities, offering mentoring and fitness, encourage some of our strong values such as self-discipline and respect for others.”

Watching the session delivered by Dan and fellow Senior Service volunteers was Chris Nisbet, director of the Weapons Down/Gloves Up programme.

Dan added: “We are trying to get kids away from gun and knife crime and gang culture and hopefully give kids alternatives.

"The Armed Forces can give them a lot more than the streets can – loyalty, structure, discipline – and you’re earning money. They offer a brilliant alternative to any kids involved with gangs.”

Mayor of Wirral Councillor Cherry Povall was also impressed by what she saw both from the Navy/Marine volunteers – and from the young people grappling with them.

She said: “If this steers just one person away from anti-social behaviour then we’ve succeeded.

“I think the partnership with the Royal Marines and Royal Navy is fantastic – it’s good for Wirral and for Wirral’s young people.”