A KICKBOXING club that has worked to eliminate anti social behaviour in the area has been praised by police, and is using TeamGY to appeal for help in continuing its good work.

In 2009, All Stars Kickboxing Club transformed a disused building that had become a target for vandalism in Bells Marsh Road, Gorleston, into a working gym complete with full-size kickboxing ring, punch bags, free weights, changing rooms and a chill-out area with pool table and games station.

The club, run by former British Taekwondo Champion Steve Nicholls, has joined forces with the local Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team (SNT) to get young people in the area off the streets and fighting fit, and is now appealing for help to improve facilities and keep going.

It will also be applying for charity status next year.

Police Community Support Officer Dave Howarth from Gorleston SNT said: “All Stars Kickboxing Club is a project that has firmly established itself in the community, supporting lesser advantaged young people.

“Young people I talk to say they have nothing productive to do and nowhere to go. We have been trying to encourage community ventures and All Stars has made a real difference.

“It is clear the children are reaping the benefits by staying out of trouble and on the straight and narrow.”

The club has been in existence more than 30 years but has recently been focusing on working with Gorleston SNT to offer young people the opportunity to step away from trouble, providing some services free of charge to help make it accessible to all.

Steve, 53, from Gorleston, has made a career in kick boxing and says martial arts gave him the discipline and direction he needed as a young teenager to stay on the straight and narrow and now wants to help others along the same route.

He often has troublesome teens put his way by schools and the police.

“Together we hope to give young people a place to go and try out the sport and we also offer adults a way of getting fit,” said Steve.

“We want to turn the gym into a proper youth club, there is nothing for the kids around here to do,” he added.

“When we first opened the gym the kids would play me up, but after having a few bouts they have become disciplined and we as a gym have benefited. There is so much potential out there.

“We want to try and keep it going but we are all volunteers and we do need a bit of help.”

As well as the usual coaching, All Stars offers the chance to take related diplomas, gradings and training.

The project relies on local community support and Steve is seeking sponsorship.

Call Steve on 01493 601342 or 07709 879784 or find them on Facebook.