A BOXING coach hopes his new gym will help keep youngsters off the streets and he can reach out to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Jon DP Shaw has moved into his boxing gym - DP Boxing - to a new base in the Commercial Complex in Sherriff Street, Worcester. Brazilian jiu-jitsu has also found a home at the club.

Mr Shaw's old gym, which is nearby, is being demolished as part of what developers have called the 'largest regeneration project in the history of Worcester' which got underway in July.

READ MORE: £150 million Sherriff's Gate regeneration project begins

A ground-cutting ceremony for Sherriff's Gate marked the start of the £150 million scheme to regenerate Shrub Hill.

The boxing coach has won the support of two-times Mayor of Worcester, cllr Allah Ditta, who visited the club on Tuesday and believes the sport can provide structure to young lives, including those in financial hardship - with a little help.

The club runs children's classes, youth classes and adult classes and has over 100 members in total.

DP Boxing moved into the new rented base on Wednesday, September 21. 

Cllr Ditta, a Conservative city councillor for Cathedral and a county councillor for Nunnery, was mayor of the city in 2005 and 2019.

He said: "I'm passionate about youth opportunity - anything to support getting young people out of the house and off the street."

He said he wanted to help disadvantaged young people access boxing coaching and would do 'anything he could' to help, including organising an open day.

Cllr Ditta said it would allow people to see the sort of facilities on offer at the club and believes sport can help body and mind for young people. He is now exploring funding for those who would struggle to get access to boxing classes. 

Mr Shaw, 31-year-old dad-of-one from Malvern, said: "DP Boxing is a community boxing and mixed martial art club. Whatever your reasons are for joining the club - our coaches and existing members will help you reach your goals. 

"It’s also highly appreciated that we have full support of councillor Allah Ditta. He is going to create funding for less fortunate children in our community. 

"This fits in with our ethos, that everyone is welcome. Regardless of age, sex and boxing experience. DP Boxing welcomes you. Don’t just take part… TakeOver!!"

Thomas Jones, 42, of Ronkswood, Worcester, said Mr Shaw had helped get his 12-year-old son Aaron back on his feet after he suffered from functional neurological disorder (FND) which left him unable to walk.

"He didn't walk for about two months - and Jon helped him get back on his feet and continue with his boxing," said Mr Jones.