Every Kid a Contender
Philadelphia’s authentic youth boxing nonprofit, providing skill-based and age-appropriate boxing instruction, mentoring, and meals to people under 25.
The Best Defense is Knowing Your Options
We’re not replacing guns with boxing gloves; we’re empowering kids to fight for their futures by making choices that honor and expand their potential.
In the ring, we focus on strategic thinking, confidence, and decision-making, building skills that improve lives. Our programs are free for families and led by inspiring coaches from the same communities.
Caregivers say they see results in their kids and teens:
improved mood
better stress management
new friends & mentors
These improvements put youth on paths to healthier, happier, and longer lives.
Join our community today.
What Makes ADI Different?
We are community-driven.
Our founder, Maleek Jackson, is a community builder who created ADI in direct response and partnership with the communities he comes from. Families trust us and seek our support because we are collaborative and responsive to their needs. They find us through friends, family, and neighbors, and because of these strong social ties, we are constantly oversubscribed, without needing to advertise.
We respect young people.
Our team deeply admires the kids and teens we work with. We show love and respect openly, and it is often reciprocated. Our youth show up with strength, creativity, and leadership – we’re just helping create space for that to grow. They have a say in our program design, feel seen, and are empowered to contribute their perspectives and ideas. They don’t have to be paid to show up.
We understand the job.
About half of our young people have been directly affected by gun violence. We know that gun violence is a systemic problem deeply rooted in societal inequities and historical trauma, rather than isolated acts of individual malice. Our role is to empower young people as agents of change and provide them with the resources to create safer, more resilient communities.
