What Is Steel Warriors?
Steel Warriors believe that young lives should be built on steel, not destroyed by it. This unique and innovative sport-for-good charity is truly one-of-a-kind in the UK. It melts down seized knives and transforms the steel into outdoor gyms… a brilliant symbol of turning danger into opportunity. Through the growing sport of calisthenics, the charity supports young people affected by crime, violence, and social exclusion. The aim is simple yet bold: to help develop the skills and confidence needed to build positive futures. The project stands as a beacon in communities, proving that raw, reclaimed metal can indeed be reborn as a source of strength and resilience.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Bullet points below capture some of the impressive facts and figures:
- Four public outdoor gyms in London: Ruskin Park (Lambeth), Finsbury Park (Haringey), Langdon Park (Tower Hamlets), and Carpenters Estate (Newham).
- Additional gym facilities are in HMP Brixton and a pop-up gym at the Sweatroom on Gymshark Regent Street.
- Regular calisthenics classes offered for young people and the wider community by dedicated coach mentors.
- Founded in 2017 by Ben Wintour and Pia Fontes with a mission to rethink how knife crime is tackled.
- Now operating six gyms, proving that lives can truly be built on steel, not destroyed by it.
Innovative Transformation of Violence
The project makes an impactful statement by converting what was once a symbol of violence into one of strength. Seized knife steel, which might have contributed to further harm, is reborn as structural metal for outdoor gyms. This transformation not only reduces the physical evidence of violence in the community but also sends a powerful message about resilience. Elements of the original vision remain intact in every gym and training session, all while empowering at-risk young people to find new energy, passion, and determination…
Building Community Connections
At its very heart, the programme creates opportunities for building stronger, safer, and more connected communities. The vision is large—creating a UK-wide network of gyms where young people can pursue their passions and achieve their goals. The approach is simple: provide free calisthenics classes taught by experienced coach mentors at accessible locations. This means regular youth intervention programmes and open community sessions that work hand in hand to build stronger bonds among community members. These efforts nurture a sense of belonging and ensure that the benefits of physical activity and personal growth are felt on a local level.
Nurturing Future Potential
The impact of Steel Warriors extends to other areas, such as education and career guidance. Programmes are delivered in schools and youth settings, where young people are introduced to pathways into the health and fitness industry. This element of the strategy is not just about physical training; it is also about creating opportunities for future employment and success. By nurturing both physical and mental wellbeing, this charity sets out to guide young individuals into lives filled with possibility and hope. It is a shift from a narrative of violence to one of growth—providing a foundation on steel that builds potential, self-belief, and achievement.
Community Collaboration and Expansion
The growth of Steel Warriors is fueled by collaboration across various sectors. The project prides itself on strong partnerships with numerous supporters and companies who share the vision. These collaborations help in developing, expanding, measuring, and maximizing impact. With every new outdoor gym established and every free class offered, there is a collective effort from local communities and national organizations alike. The connections built through these efforts encourage future expansion, with dreams of reaching even more young people and communities across the entirety of the UK… all while remaining true to the mission of turning hazardous materials into instruments of hope and strength.
Project Impact
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Promoting accessible fitness and mental wellbeing through regular community sessions.
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: Delivering programmes in schools and youth settings to foster personal and career development.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Building stronger, safer, and more connected communities with every gym established.
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Rethinking approaches to knife crime by transforming symbols of violence into beacons of hope.
Future Growth and Possibilities
The ambitions of Steel Warriors continue to grow, marking a transformative journey that began in 2017. The founding vision, set by Ben Wintour and Pia Fontes, was to rethink traditional methods of handling knife crime, and today that vision is clear in every gym and programme launched. With a robust strategy in place, the project aims to build a network that empowers at-risk young people, sparks a nationwide street workout movement, and forges stronger bonds amongst communities. The innovative use of reclaimed steel not only creates practical, outdoor gym spaces but also inspires countless individuals to believe in the power of change—one rep at a time. The supportive community, alongside trusted partners like GYMSHARK, HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS, HEYNE TILLETT STEEL, POPULO, LONDON’S METROPOLITAN POLICE, THE VIOLENCE REDUCTION UNIT, GO! LONDON, and EMR, exemplifies how collaboration can lead to real and measurable progress. This continuous momentum fuels the dream of a UK where every young life is strengthened by opportunity and every community stands united. It is a dynamic, ever-evolving narrative that transforms challenges into stepping stones toward a brighter future… building on steel, building on hope.
