Nationwide legends are uniting to change lives and support the joint venture between two Liverpool based initiatives, Weapons Down Gloves Up (CIC) and No More Knives. Tony Bellew, Robbie Fowler, Paddy ‘the baddy’ Pimblett, Natasha Jonas, Peter Reid and Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock and many many more stand together alongside some families that have been effected by gun and knife crime.
Weapons Down Gloves Up (WDGU) and No More Knives have worked closely in recent months to create a new joint venture, Enough Is Enough, Boots On 2023, a Football event aimed at supporting the local community to stand up against gun and knife crime. This highly anticipated sporting event will take place on Sunday 2nd July, 2023 at 13:30pm, hosted at the local football ground Marine FC, with a capacity of 2,000 spectators. The allocation of spectator tickets will be available via the online box office on www.weaponsdownglovesup.co.uk, on Friday 19th July 2023 at 7pm with a live stream available for those unable to attend in person.
This initiative brings celebrities and local communities together through the power of sports to tackle and stand in solidarity against gun and knife crime across the UK. Through this football event, it will create a platform to promote team sportsmanship, promote positive health and create positive engagement from the local communities and businesses.
With the increasing number of young people and families being affected by knife crime in recent years, this event aims to inspire the people of Liverpool, and surrounding regions, to stand up and steer young people away from crime. The WDGU programme supports residents aged 16 to 24 who aren’t in education, employment or training to break the cycle of violence and gang culture. Collectively WDGU and No More Knives have created trustworthy reputations within Liverpool, and surrounding regions, and this sporting initiative will reinforce their aim to save more lives.
To ensure the event’s success, high-profile individuals will be attending and participating in the initiative. Among those attending include UFC’s Paddy Pimblet, boxing professionals Tasha Jonas, Frazer Clarke and retired Tony Bellew. Joining them are Peter Reid and James Vaughan from Everton and Liverpool’s Neil Mellor, Neil Ruddock and Alan Kennedy. Additionally, DJ Lee Butler, Musician Jamie Webster, James English and Jazza Dickons, will be there to show their support. Alongside this, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has agreed to be a big part of the Enough Is Enough event. Their presence will not only add excitement to the event, it will support the initiatives goal in raising significant awareness of the fight against gun and knife crime.
Co-Founder of Weapons Down Gloves Up, David Hughes spoke about the partnership and the importance of this initiative. He commented: “Enough Is Enough, Boots On – Liverpool City Region 2023, harnesses the power of partnership by uniting Weapons Down Gloves Up, No More Knives and the local community to support young lives. It will provide an opportunity for individuals, businesses and communities to unite their energy for positive change and to support our work by offering job opportunities and raising awareness to future students.”
“The hard work and determination of everyone involved in this and all of our initatives are a credit to the community. The students that we work with inspire us everyday. The programme isn’t only for people who have been involved in crime or on the cusp, it’s for any young person currently not in education, employment or education that wants a chance at a full time career.”
Tony Bellew, WDGU Director of Sport, added: “There are construction sites all over Liverpool and we, WDGU, want to support young people with their future career. By providing young people with the opportunities and encouragement to work hard, we believe this will support them with overcoming obstacles and ultimately succeed in their goals. They can be anything they want to be. Through the WDGU initiative, we instill the belief of hard work, teamwork and passion to create prosperous futures.”
This event will not only showcase a thrilling football match between celebrities but also offer a unique opportunity for local businesses and communities to showcase their support to tackle knife crime.
The WDGU programme is a transformative initiative spanning over 12 weeks to tackle complex issues, support young people through the power of sports and providing young people with an understand of what it takes to have a successful career in the many sectors we work with. It aims to put young people on the right path to success with the opportunity to discover roles in the construction sector and others. Through the programme, they’re provided with a four-week placement in a local construction company and are provided with a CSCS card upon completion.
Alongside the practical skills, they have the opportunity to work closely with Tony Bellew, using boxing and mixed martial arts to build resilience, promote positive mental health and discipline. By promoting alternative future paths, participants learn vital skills, while it also supports the local community to reduce crime rates.
No More Knives is a prominent organisation making significant strides over the last five years to raise awareness about knife violence. Their campaign-led organisaition aims to support the local Liverpool community with preventing gun and knife crime. With a focus on prevention, they have supported WDGU in playing a key role in empowering and educating young people in Liverpool to make positive choices.
Former MMA fighter & Gym owner Paul Bentley teamed up with with Lindsey Flood who said “We are taking a stand against knife crime in Liverpool – we’re calling for an end to blades on the streets of our city and we have all got to come together to tackle it.
