In April 2025, AVT MMA in Leeds lost a much loved member of their gym to suicide. At 14-years-old, a tragic decision was made and that has, forever and always, left a gaping hole in the hearts of the family and friends around him. The one thing everyone at AVT MMA said was: "we had no idea..."

Since, AVT MMA has dedicated themselves to raising important awareness and crucial funds to support young lads who may be struggling with their mental health - whether known or in silence. This includes a unique partnership with The Mental Shift CIC to launch a new, Leeds-based, youth-led project: Inside the Cage.

Inside the Cage commits to supporting young males, aged 12 to 19, across south-west and wider Leeds who may be struggling with their mental health or vulnerable to struggling with their mental health. Our ultimate aim is simple - improve mental health through MMA and community growth, educate young lads and those around them on the importance of talking, and reduce suicides for young lads across the region.

We will be working with local services, charities, and schools (including Leeds Health and Wellbeing, MindMate, and Employment Skills Leeds) to identify, reach, and engage young lads who would benefit from Mixed Martial Arts - providing access to regular physical activity, connection with lads just like them, and the opportunity to set and reach goals. We will offer funded monthly memberships for as long as they need, funded personal training sessions, funded equipment bundles, as well as further support like access-to-education, employability skills, and tickets to local fight shows and things alike. Alongside this, we will also work with local schools to deliver mental health awareness workshops around suicide and silent battles, as well as taster MMA sessions.

This is a needed project for a community affected by loss from the very problem we are trying to tackle. However, we need your help to make this happen... in order to support young lads across Leeds, we need to raise the initial funds to get this crucial project off the ground and operational across the area.

If you're able to help us, please donate and help make a positive change to the lives of young lads in our community. Just £5 helps make a real change, or:

Thank you for your help and follow us at @the.mentalshift and @avtmmaleeds to keep updated on Inside the Cage! :)

For all sponsorship or large donation enquiries, please get in touch via our GoFundMe profile or on Instagram.