An exciting partnership between Weapons Down Gloves Up and Liverpool-based training provider, The Learning Foundry, saw two local sports stars head to town to talk about an innovative new training programme.

UFC star Molly ‘Meatball’ McCann and former professional boxer, Tony Bellew, stopped by The Learning Foundry campus this week to speak about a sports, education and employment programme with a difference.

This programme has been created for Liverpool residents aged 16 to 24 who aren’t in education, employment or training. Aiming to break the cycle of violence and gang culture, the programme puts young people on the path to success in the multi-million-pound construction industry.

Over the course of 12 weeks, learners will understand what it takes to begin a successful career in the sector, attending a four-week placement with a local construction company and receiving a CSCS card on completion.

Alongside practical skills, learners will also work closely with Molly and Tony, using boxing and mixed martial arts to build resilience, promote positive mental health and discipline.

Molly is an ambassador for Weapons Down Gloves Up alongside boxer Tony Bellew. She says: “It’s all about using sport to provide structure to young people where they perhaps haven’t had any before. They’ll learn new skills in the gym, build self-esteem, and get qualifications and work experience to help them secure a job.

“We don’t want them to see us as a school. There’s mutual respect between everyone and they’ll go away feeling like they matter and that they’ve got value to add, in work and in the community, rather than turning to gun and knife crime.”

Tony adds: “There are construction sites all over this city and we want to get local young people into these jobs. We want to encourage these young people to put in the hard work and they will succeed. They can be anything they want to be.”

The Sports, Education and Employment programme starts on 23 January at DT Hughes, Aintree. To sign up, visit www.thelearningfoundry.co.uk/traineeships or call 0300 123 8088

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