Two former boxers from Warwickshire, Harry and Joe Freeman, have launched a grassroots campaign aimed at tackling childhood obesity and improving children’s mental health across the United Kingdom.
The initiative, called Boxwave, offers free fitness and mentorship programmes in parks, playgrounds, and community spaces, targeting young people struggling with weight, low self-esteem, and social isolation.
According to the brothers, the project was created to provide an accessible and supportive alternative to gym memberships or paid classes. “We wanted to make sure every child, no matter their background, has the chance to feel stronger, healthier and more confident,” Harry Freeman said.
Boxwave’s sessions combine fitness activities such as hill sprints, tyre-pulling, football drills and boxing pad work with motivational mentorship. The approach has already attracted a strong following online, with the brothers building an audience of more than 700,000 on TikTok and Instagram, where they share training videos and success stories.
Since its launch last year, the initiative has reported several success stories. Among them is 10-year-old Jacob, who lost more than three stone through the programme and has since appeared on ITV’s This Morning to speak about his journey. Other children involved have shifted from sedentary lifestyles to active participation in sports and regained confidence after years of bullying.
This autumn, the Freemans plan to expand Boxwave into more than 50 schools through a new campaign titled “The Strongest Generation.” The expansion will be supported by sponsorships and retail partnerships, enabling the programme to host monthly community events across the country.
Although the NHS and local councils have shown interest in collaborating, the brothers say they are determined to keep the service free. “For us, this is about helping children, not creating barriers with costs. That’s why everything we do remains open to anyone who wants to join,” Joe Freeman explained.
The launch of Boxwave comes at a time when childhood obesity in Britain has reached record levels. Recent studies warn that obesity rates, which spiked during the pandemic, could cost the UK billions of pounds in healthcare and economic impact in the coming years.
Health experts say grassroots efforts like Boxwave complement national strategies, such as the government’s £85 million Public Health Innovation Programme and NHS smart-scale clinics for young people.
With its community-first approach and early success stories, Boxwave is positioning itself as one of the most promising grassroots movements in the fight against childhood obesity in the UK.