Boxer's mission to knock out anti-social behaviour in Rotherham area plagued by the issue

Boxing did more than give Dylan Trevor a sporting ambition – it changed his life.

Now, the unbeaten professional fighter wants to pass on that same opportunity to a new generation of youngsters by setting up a community gym in Dinnington.

It comes as the area has been beset by a rise in anti-social behaviour, with reports suggesting youngsters are responsible.

Having experienced first-hand how the sport can transform a youngster's future, Dylan is determined to provide a safe, positive environment where children can develop discipline, confidence and a sense of belonging, rather than spending their time on the streets.

He believes there are few such clubs in the Dinnington, Anston, Kiveton, Thurcroft and Laughton areas.

And he says it is his dream to help youngsters in the way Brendan Ingle did in Wincobank for years and his own coach John Fewkes currently does in Gleadless.

"There is nothing for kids to do in some places and the area seems to be struggling with anti social behaviour," says Dylan, who can lean on his own experiences growing up as a troubled boy.

"I was getting into bother, fighting too much as a kid and was excluded from four high schools (including Dearne) and three primary schools.

"My mum sent me to boxing and like kids at other gyms, it changed my life."

Unbeaten Dylan (27) has seven straight wins in his professional Super Welterweight career so far. A qualified amateur coach, he has already established once-weekly classes at Laughton Village Hall.

There he has started helping children aged four to 16, but has ambitions to establish a fully equipped gym, complete with a boxing ring and punchbags.

"My dream is to set up on Dinnington high street" he said.

"In Sheffield there seems to be a gym on every street corner, but not in Rotherham.

"The council and the MP (Jake Richards) are backing me.

"It is a densely populated area and I am already seeing 30-odd kids a session, doing shadow boxing, drills and footwork and it's been great getting to know the kids.

"It is going really well. And I know I can help them, as they relate to me. They need an outlet, and there is nothing like what I do nearby.

"All I know is boxing - and I want kids to know that in my gym they will be part of a community, a place they can go and feel safe and free."

Trevor, who lives in North Anston with his girlfriend Megan, says his project won't effect his own boxing career.

The plan is to put a few belts on his mantlepiece while building up his own coaching venture, which currently operates under the name Tricky Trevaa's Boxing Army.

His Laughton operation has been warmly welcomed by parents.

Jenna Ellis, from Dinnington, said: "I was introduced to the classes through a friend whose sons go and my little boy Theo who is nine has been going for weeks.

"I like the fact that Dylan is so open with the kids...that he was struggling growing up going a bit wayward and his mum introduced him to boxing and he has toed the line since.

"He tells the kids every week how teaching them is his favourite part of the week.

"It always looks like they are just having fun, jogging and doing drills or playing punch dodgeball, but he's teaching them core parts of boxing and training.

"His passion for it is really contagious and all the children really enjoy the sessions."

Jenna said her son had become bored with other sports, but Dylan's personality made every session fun and inclusive.

"With my son I have noticed such a positive impact from the sessions, especially with the discipline and listening to instructions.

"I was having meetings with the teachers weekly about his behaviour at the start of term and since going there consistently I get nothing but praise.

"Kids go in like they can't be bothered like the world is on their shoulders and they all come out skipping jumping laughing its so nice to see.

"I just think what they are doing is great and such a good reason behind his passion for getting kids active with a purpose."