When Warren first came to Desapline Martial Arts through FEAST, it was during a difficult period in his life. He’d been expelled from school and was struggling with instability at home.
“My behaviour was just all over the place,” he says. “Getting in trouble, starting fights… I was just misbehaving in general.”
He signed up for Desapline through FEAST, which offers free holiday activities with food for eligible children and young people across North Yorkshire. For many families, it’s a chance to try something new without the usual cost barriers.
Andy Desa, who runs Desapline, remembers being warned before Warren even arrived.
“He was described as a bit of a problem child,” Andy explains. “There were concerns about anger and behaviour at school, and they weren’t sure how he’d settle. But he came in and he was good as gold. He didn’t cause any trouble, didn’t lash out, didn’t fall out with anyone. At the end of the day, even his family couldn’t believe it.”
Warren returned the next day, and the same thing happened again. Over time, he kept coming back, gradually building confidence and settling into the structure of training.
“It wasn’t overnight,” Andy explains. “He started turning up more regularly, getting involved, helping others. His confidence built week by week.”
Warren began using training as a way to manage his emotions and focus his energy.
“If I’m feeling angry, I’ll go punch a bag for ten minutes or go speak to Andy,” he says. “It helps a lot more than what I was doing when I was younger – I used to take it out on people.”
That consistency soon turned into real progress. Warren moved through his gradings, began entering competitions, and started taking training seriously. He’s since competed internationally, winning multiple medals, including silver at a world championship in Hungary.
“I never expected to get this far,” he says.
Alongside his competition success, Warren began re-engaging with school. Andy also worked with staff to share what he was seeing at Desapline and what helped Warren succeed. Over time, that partnership made a difference. With a fresh start at a new school, Warren was able to settle more successfully, with staff recognising the importance of structure, respect and consistency.
Now, he’s come full circle. Warren volunteers at sessions, helping younger children, including those attending through FEAST, just like he once did.
Andy says that lived experience makes a real difference for the younger children coming through.
“They relate to him,” he explains. “He’s been in their position. When he speaks, they listen. He’s giving the kids hope.”
Warren now helps demonstrate techniques, encourages new starters, and supports children who may be struggling to settle. It’s something Andy sees as a natural progression.
“I’ve seen him with the kids, and he’ll lock onto them and say, ‘when I was like you…’” he says. “He’s saying the same things that were said to him.”
Andy believes the opportunity Warren had through FEAST has had a wider ripple effect. The programme brings in children who might not otherwise have access to structured activities, allowing clubs like Desapline to support them over time.
“FEAST helps us get kids that we wouldn’t normally see walk through the door,” he says. “If we hadn’t had FEAST, I’d have never met Warren.”
Some of those children, like Warren, go on to stay involved, build confidence, and support others. For Andy, that’s where the long-term impact lies.
“You see them grow,” he says. “They come in unsure, and then later they’re the ones helping the next group.”
For Warren, taking that first step was life changing.
“If I didn’t start this, I’d just still be in my bedroom… gaming,” he says. “It helps a lot with social life.”
What began as a holiday activity has become something more long-lasting: confidence, structure, and a place where he now helps others settle in. Through FEAST, Warren found something that worked for him, and he’s now helping the next group of young people find their place too.