Calgary boxing program provides mentorship, life skills for at-risk youth

A mentorship boxing program aims to break the cycle and give at-risk youth a fighting chance at a brighter future.

A Calgary boxing program is encouraging troubled teens to break free from gangs, violence and crime.

Gloves Not Guns is a non-contact boxing program that provides at-risk youth with mentorship and fitness training.

“We are teaching life skills and giving these kids an outlet,” said founder TJ Sheehan.

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The program operates out of the Calgary Young Offenders Centre and at Olympus Boxing Club in the city’s northeast, as well as the Edmonton Young Offender Centre.

Sheehan says 90 per cent of youth in the program – who are between 14 and 18 years old – have been charged with a crime or have been before the courts.

Gloves Not Guns is offered to youth as an alternative to facing the court system after being charged.

“We really want youth to have a purpose, define their identity, and then figure out how to be consistent and motivated throughout that process,” said Sheehan.

The program, which has been operating for eight months, has guest speakers come talk with the youth.

The speakers range from professional MMA fighters to ex-gang members or individuals who have served time in federal prison.

Afterward, the youth begin a non-contact boxing workout, learning the fundamentals and strategy of the sport.

The sessions finish with a life-portion component where Sheehan and other instructors discuss how to deal with their first court appearance, while offering career advice and tips for better managing their emotions.

“We’re giving them the discipline and confidence to walk away,” said Sheehan. “How to deal with your rights when dealing with the police, knowing your rights, when to remain silent, emotional regulation, anger management, all these different types of skills.”

The crimes the youth have been charged with range from assault to conspiracy to commit murder.

CTV News spoke with Gloves Not Guns participants who can’t be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

One of them was charged with possession of a weapon.

He says the program has him focused on becoming a boxer.

“I was always a bad kid, mixed in with the wrong crowds, doing bad stuff” he said. “[Gloves Not Guns] has given me an outlet to put all of my anger and other emotions into.”

Another youth who spoke to CTV News was charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and another two counts of assault.

He says he wants to start his own business.

“Just from joining this program, they helped me get rid of my charges,” he said. “They helped me figure out how to control a lot of stuff that I never knew I could control. They helped me figure out the better side to life.”

“I want to help, indigenous communities around Canada, [to] show the indigenous youths that there’s lots to life instead of drugs, guns, violence and money.”

Sheehan says ultimately, he wants the kids to know they he is in their corner.

“We just really want to give them that mentorship piece.”