ZKJ MMA has launched a programme giving teenagers the opportunity to commit to training, earn coaching qualifications, and, in return, never pay membership fees again. Head coach Danny Corr, who founded the gym in 1998, said the scheme is about providing structure, opportunity, and belonging.

“We have lads in their 30s now who started in the youth programme and are coaches or competitors,” he explained. Currently, around 20 free places are available, but Corr insists no one will be turned away. “If they train and commit, we’ll get them qualified as coaches. From there, their training is free for life.”

The idea was inspired by Corr’s experience coaching in Rio’s favelas 15 years ago. “They ran a similar scheme to keep young people off the streets. I saw the impact it had and thought, Why not bring it home?”

More than 100 people attend ZKL classes on busy nights. The gym also supported young people beyond sport – during the COVID pandemic, it helped over 120 students achieve maths and English GCSEs. Some graduates have gone on to higher education or careers, including one who became a fireman.

For participants, the programme has been transformative. Teenager Leonardo Mereles said training taught him discipline: “it made me realise you need to put 100% into everything to succeed.” Economics student Ruairi O´Kane agreed, saying the gym kept him focused during his A-levels: “It definitely changed my life for the better. I’ve gained friends and a place I can always turn to.”

For Corr, the goal goes beyond competition. “This is about giving kids an outlet, a family, and a future. If they commit to us, we’ll commit to them for life.”