‘KABS in a Bag’ Meet the former-boxer and his team helping to keep kids off the streets in Kirkby

Taking activities and sport out onto the streets of Kirkby is helping tackle problems with anti-social behaviour in the town.

Merseyside Police has partnered with KABS Fitness, run by Kirkby-born former boxer and youth worker Tommy Cashen, to hold sessions as part of its hotspot targeted policing. 

In a region-wide initiative to reduce violent crime and anti-social behaviour, the force is teaming up with communities and businesses to create bespoke solutions to specific problems in 29 areas most affected.

KABS is one of those businesses actively involved in the programme.

Its team of coaches are based outside McDonalds in Kirkby town centre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 4pm and 7pm – the time which police have identified as being peak for potential incidents.

“All our staff are at least level 3 coaches with lived experience, lots have been to America doing football coaching, and we go around and try to find any way where we can engage with children and young people on the street,” explains Tommy.

“We carry what we call KABS in a bag, which are loads of activities in our backpacks, and we set ourselves up in the middle of the town centre, outside McDonalds, which is a really high risk area for anti-social behaviour.

“KABS in a bag is basically a bag full of fun, there’s all sorts of equipment in there and we give the kids different challenges. I’ve done everything from press-up competitions with them, to pulling out pads and gloves for a sparring session.

“On one occasion we walked about 30 youths out of the town centre for a game of football in the local park, our instructors versus Kirkby kids. 

“We had loads of food and drinks, we played the match and at the end it was so positive becaiuse it helped them to feel a sense of achievement and it gave them a pat on the back. Some of those children don’t get that at home, or they’ve got no one there who’s bothered enough to do that.

“Sport is invaluable because even just being part of a group has social benefits, you’re developing social skills as well as the exercise and fitness benefits. It releases endorphins, makes you feel good, and it gives you some purpose and focus. 

“There are lots of transferrable skills within sport so it can be a powerful tool, and it’s a way to open conversations and build that trust which means we can signpost them and sometimes end up not just helping the kids but the whole family unit.”

Tommy himself grew up in Kirkby and admits he almost got kicked out of school for fighting when he was in his mid-teens.

“But I found a real passion, boxing for Kirkby ABC, and I realised the power of channeling that negative energy in a positive way which is something that now carries through to the KABS ethos,” he says.

After leaving school at 16 with no A-C grade GCSEs, Tommy joined the Army where he stayed for five years, training as a PT instructor and becoming army boxing champion.

Although he struggled to adjust to life after the Armed Forces, having issues with alcohol and mental health, he got a job on the doors in Liverpool clubs before moving into youth work, including helping young offenders aged 12-15 to gain skills and turn their lives around.

It was that experience which led him to launch the non-profit KABS Fitness in 2017, working with everyone from very young children to adults to support, nurture and guide them through a range of activities and events.

It was 43-year-old Tommy’s own background as well as his business goals which made him an ideal partner for Merseyside Police’s hotspot targeted policing programme, starting Kirkby town centre sessions at the beginning of this year.

“Lived experience is the most powerful thing if you’re working with someone with a similar issue,” he says. “Kirkby is my home town, and I love it, I really do. I also understand it. One shoe doesn’t fit all, so it’s about understanding that, listening to these kids and building relationships. 

“What we’re doing is very impactful and honestly it’s amazing to see their reaction. The kids know us by name now, they come running up to us and we really see a change in their attitude and their behaviour, 100%.”

Merseyside Police say there have already been significant decreases in antisocial behaviour and serious violence across all 29 hotspot areas, crediting the combined impact of targeted policing and community‑led initiatives like KABS Fitness. The Force will continue its commitment to keeping people safe through high‑visibility patrols, strong partnership working and by responding directly to the concerns raised by local communities.

You can get more information about Merseyside Police’s Targeted Hotspot initiative HERE.

Read more about what Targeted Hotspot Policing is HERE.