The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith is contributing the money from his Community Buildings Programme to  Charlie Malarkey’s New Earswick Boxing (KO) for Kindness which is being built on the outskirts of the city.

The venue at New Earswick Sports Club, which aims to get people off the streets and give them a purpose in life, is now close to being complete.

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Charlie said: “It’s fantastic to know that we’re getting this money from the community buildings programme.

“The building is now water-tight and we are now working towards a topping out ceremony in March with about £25,000 still to raise.

“It will be a well-being hub with boxing being the focus, but it will be catering for mental health as well as a GP to look after physical health.”

Mr Skaith said:  “Sport is incredibly powerful in improving our physical and mental health, I’m determined to break down the barriers so more people can take part. 

“That’s why we’re in New Earswick Boxing (KO) for Kindness’s corner, helping them to create more opportunities for young people when they need it most.” 

Mayor David Skaith (Image: Gavin Priestley)

Last year organisers have launched a Knives Down Gloves Up campaign to encourage youngsters to take up boxing rather than carrying knives.

Adam Stead managing director at ADS Scaffolding has been helping Charlie with every stage of the build.

He said: “It’s to encourage young people to pick up some boxing gloves instead of carrying knives – instead of potentially taking someone’s life away and ruining your own.”

Charlie has worked for the Salvation Army for 17 years and leads its early intervention and prevention team in York.

Former pro boxer Jamie Warters will be helping with coaching when the club is up and running and has said he can’t wait for the doors to open.

Charlie said: “The police have been in touch with me and said they have kids as young as 11 who are desperate for it to open.

“No one is making a bean out if this, it’s a charity working for the community.”

Anyone who thinks they can help in any way, please contact Charles.Malarkey@salvationarmy.org.uk or phone 07712443163.

Charlie Malarkey, Jamie Warters, Adam Stead with Stephanie O’Bee and Adam Hickey from York firm Pinnacle Construction at the site when it was under contruction (Image: Haydn Lewis)