University academics are looking for a PhD student to study how boxing clubs can help reduce violence in Nottingham.

Nottingham Trent University has teamed up with the city’s Pythian Club to help devise boxing programmes that will persuade locals not to get involved in violence.

They’re particularly interested in talking to someone who knows about boxing – but applicants don’t need formal academic qualifications.

Owner of the Pythian Club, former police officer, Benjamin Rosser, told CBJ news: “I started the Pythian club in 2015 to address issues young people are facing when it comes to youth violence and anti-social behaviour.

“We work across seven different areas of Nottingham with 400 young people per week.

Benjamin Rosser.

“Boxing helps people with their mental health, their wellbeing and their inactivity.

“I’ve got three daughters and I want them to grow up in a community, and a world where there’s discipline, respect and manners, working together in a united society.

“There are little kids getting shot and stabbed, attending funerals. We will fight to our last breath to keep our communities safe.

“We desperately need our local and national governments to support struggling communities.”

Pythian club – which now has bases across Nottinghamshire – works with Nottingham Trent University on a number of projects. Last week it was involved with a presentation to students about knife crime.

Director, Doctoral School and Research Operations at NTU, Rebekah Smith McGloin said: “This is a unique opportunity for local people to become involved with research and develop skills to deliver meaningful change to their community.

“We’re looking for people who might not have considered academia before, or thought it wasn’t for them. Traditional qualifications aren’t essential – it’s more important that candidates have passion and drive and relevant experience.”

Applications close on Monday February 6. For more details, click here.