RecruitingInterventional

Moves Different: Boxing to reduce youth offending

This study, called 'Moves Different', explores if a six-month boxing programme can help teenagers in England and Wales who are at risk of getting involved in crime or violence. Many things, like school problems or difficult home lives, can increase this risk. The study compares the boxing programme, which offers structure, physical activity, and positive role models, with getting a gym membership. It aims to find out if boxing helps improve how young people feel and act, and whether it reduces the chances of them getting into trouble. Participants, aged 13 to 18, will be randomly put into one of the two groups. The study will check its processes first with a smaller group before moving onto a larger comparison.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

The Behavioural Insights Team

Enrolment target

3,606

Start

02 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

Involvement in youth violence and crime (youth offending risk). The study targets adolescents who have one or more recognised risk factors for involvement in violence, offending, or related antisocial behaviour, and evaluates whether a structured boxing programme reduces offending and improves socio-emotional and behavioural outcomes.

What is this study about?

Many young people face tough challenges that can make it more likely for them to get involved in crime or violence. This might be due to problems at school, difficult situations at home, or spending time in unsafe surroundings. In England and Wales, community sports clubs, like boxing clubs, often try to help these young people by offering a steady routine, physical exercise, and good adult examples to look up to.

However, we don't have much strong evidence to show if these programmes truly help reduce crime or improve young people's overall well-being. This study wants to find out how effective a six-month boxing programme is, especially when compared to simply having a gym membership. It's designed to see if boxing can really make a difference for young people aged 13 to 18 who are considered to be at risk of getting into trouble with crime or violence.

The study will first run a smaller test phase to make sure everything works smoothly. This includes checking that the boxing programme itself and the way they collect information are effective. Once this smaller test is complete and successful, the study will expand to a larger group to get a clearer picture of its impact over the long term.

Key takeaways

A study for young people aged 13-18 at risk of violence or crime.
Compares a six-month boxing programme with a gym membership.
Aims to improve behaviour, emotions, and reduce offending.
Participation is voluntary and involves questionnaires.
Coaches and clubs focus on physical training, discipline, and respect.
The study runs from 2026 until 2028 across England and Wales.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 13 to 18 (roughly school years 9-13) who live in England or Wales.

You might be suitable to take part if adults like teachers, youth workers, or other professionals believe you are at risk of getting involved in crime or violence. This could mean you've faced challenges like being excluded from school, struggling with behaviour, having a difficult family life, or being in situations that put you at higher risk. The study is open to both boys and girls.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you're planning to move away soon, have taken part in structured boxing training more than 8 times before, or if other specific services would be more suitable for your situation, such as if you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 13 and 18 years old?
Do you live in England or Wales?
Have adults like teachers or youth workers said you might be at risk of getting into trouble?
Have you not regularly taken part in structured boxing classes (more than 8 sessions) in the past?
Are you not planning to move out of your local area soon?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to take part in this study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups, like flipping a coin. You won't get to choose which group you join, and neither will the researchers. One group will take part in a six-month boxing programme, typically involving two coached sessions each week at a local community boxing club. These sessions focus on fitness, discipline, respect, and positive coaching.

The other group will receive a gym membership for the study period, allowing them to use gym facilities for exercise. Everyone in the study will fill out short questionnaires at the very beginning and again after six months. These questions will ask about how you're feeling, your behaviour, emotions, and how you get along with others. With permission, the research team will also check police records to see if there have been any arrests after the programme finishes. The study will run for about six months for each participant, with follow-up on records for a period afterwards. Overall, the study is expected to finish in October 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits. For those in the boxing group, you'll get regular physical activity, learn discipline and respect, and be guided by positive role models, which might improve your overall well-being and behaviour. For those in the gym group, you'll have access to exercise facilities. The main potential risks are those usually associated with physical activity, like minor injuries, though coaches and gym staff are trained to ensure safety. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or relationship with any services providing support.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

England Boxing - Lead recruitment and co-ordinating centre for England
City only
Sheffield, England
Welsh Boxing - Lead recruitment and co-ordinating centre for Wales
City only
Cardiff, Wales

Common questions

What exactly is 'Moves Different'?

It's a research study looking at whether a six-month boxing programme can help young people aged 13-18 who are at risk of getting involved in crime or violence.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged 13-18 who are identified by professionals as being at risk of crime or violence, and who haven't had a lot of boxing training before.

What will I do if I join the study?

You'll be randomly put into either a boxing group (about two sessions a week for six months) or a gym membership group, and you'll complete a few questionnaires about how you're feeling and acting.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, an independent organisation that supports research to prevent violence among young people.

When is the study happening?

They expect to start inviting people to join in 2026. Each person takes part for six months, and the overall study is expected to finish in October 2028.

How to find out more

Jack Martin

jack.martin@bi.team +44 7745116083 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.