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Navy’s anti-knife crime initiative leaves lasting legacy on Teesside
2 June 2025
Royal Marines and sailors say they’ve created a lasting legacy in the fight against knife crime and gang culture – as they returned to the birthplace of their campaign.
The team behind the initiative – which seeks to steer young people away from the criminal fringe of society through military values and combat sports – staged their second session in 18-months at Stockton-in-Tees Contender Gym.
Since the inaugural session at the same venue back in January last year, the commandos and sailors have spread their ‘knives down, gloves up’ message around northern England, running sessions at numerous gyms in major population centres – to the praise of civic leaders.
In their own time, personnel attempt to instil some of the core military values such as discipline, respect, comradeship into young people who attend the sessions, alongside physical fitness and combat sports.
Families and young people were drawn to the Stockton event from as far afield as Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. The classes, delivered by lead coach Petty Officer Aaron Snowdon, showcased the power of sport to inspire and engage.
Watching Aaron put youngsters through their paces were representatives from Cleveland Violence Prevention Team and Stockton Council.
Both authorities have now committed to funding a referral scheme and hosting future events based on the Royal Navy’s model.
“The project continues to grow from strength to strength,” said Warrant Officer Dennis Harrison, who’s been involved with the initiative since the start.
“This marks a significant step toward establishing a lasting legacy in the Northeast and also ‘demonstrates the positive impact Royal Navy sport can have on communities.”