The officers are looking for an empty building in the back of town to fix up.

A boxing gym would help the youngsters learn the sport and provide space for other youth activities, they say.

"We're hearing with regularity that there's nothing in Bermuda to occupy our youths,'' said Det. Const. Craig Morfitt of the Police Boxing Section.

"There's some demand for a youth club-type facility. The boxing section believes that a boxing gym would appeal to some of our youth and would give at least some of them something to do.'' Officers are seeking an unused building to rent, which they could convert into a gym. They will even consider renovating a "semi-derelict'' building.

In the evenings, after boxing training had finished, the place could be used as a youth club, said D.c. Morfitt, although this would depend on volunteers, maybe parents, coming forward.

"It has been made clear to us over the years that there are a number of youngsters who would like to get involved in boxing but they will not attend a boxing gym on Police property.

"We've therefore decided that we would like to invest some of our time and funds to establish a youth boxing gym away from Police premises.

"Ideally, we'd like to set up a gym in the back of town area.

"We expect that the gym will have a name which doesn't involve any reference to Police, although there will be Police officers operating the gym and assisting with the training.

"Our regular coaches, Gary Smith and Quinn Mallory, will continue in their positions and (former professional) Troy Darrell has offered his assistance.

"Whilst the Police boxing section has sufficient funds to get this project up and running, we'll be seeking corporate sponsorship to assist with the operating expenses.'' D.c. Morfitt is asking anyone who can help to contact him on 299-4545.