Teenagers in Adelaide's northern suburbs are filming themselves in a pop-up fight club, with videos uploaded to social media, sparking outrage among parents and anti-violence advocates. The fights are taking place on public ovals in broad daylight, and parents fear more children are being encouraged to join.
Fights Filmed on Public Ovals
One of the locations used is Ridley Reserve, which is also home to the Central Districts Softball Association. Kay Benger from the softball club told 7NEWS: "This is the home of where we play and it's not a safe activity for us to be around. What's stopping them from coming over here and starting a fight with us?"
Parents say they have repeatedly tried to alert authorities, but the fights continue. A witness named Aimee told 7NEWS: "We moved them on and they went over to the other oval. They hid behind two sheds until the cops left and then kept going."
Instagram Page Promotes Fights
An Instagram page, believed to be run by the teens themselves, has more than 2000 followers and promotes upcoming fights for others to attend. Anti-violence campaigners are stunned by the level of organisation behind the fights.
Jannine Jackson, CEO of the Sammy D Foundation, told 7NEWS: "One punch in the wrong place can take a life. We exist because Sam Davis was [hit by] one punch and died." The foundation was created after 17-year-old Sam Davis was killed by a single punch in 2008. The organisation now delivers violence-prevention programs in schools and sporting clubs across South Australia.
Jackson added: "I cannot tell you how angry I am and shocked and appalled I am to be able to still see footage of young boys being violent."
Parents Fear for Children's Safety
With three schools located near the fight locations, parents fear their children could be lured into the group. Police told 7NEWS they have not received any formal complaints but are keen to speak with organisers, suggesting a gym or training facility would be a safer and more appropriate place for supervised sparring.
