By C1 Staff
WILLINGBORO — A former correctional officer with the Burlington County Jail has sought a way to keep youth from becoming part of the correctional system.
The Burlington County Times reports that Tevin Berry recently opened the Shop Boxing and Fitness Club, with the aim of keeping kids out of trouble.
“If you want to be good at this sport, it goes way beyond being able to just punch somebody really hard,” Berry said. “It involves discipline and hard work.”
He describes the gym as a mix between CrossFit and regular boxing workouts.
Berry also hopes that his gym creates a better relationship between youth and law enforcement.
“When I was a corrections officer, all I could do was be stern,” he said. “I couldn’t really be myself. I had to play this role.
“I began thinking, ‘My being here isn’t going to stop them from visiting me [being incarcerated]. My going out there [outside jail] is going to keep them from visiting me.”
The gym is aimed for youths 8 – 12 and costs $40 a month. Those 13 and up, considered the Adult bracket, can pay a $50 a month membership fee. Gym organizers are considering fundraising to supply boxing equipment for kids who can’t afford it.
Berry hopes to move his gym to a larger location soon to better accommodate his students.