York martial forces boast world of clout

11:27am Saturday 4th August 2007

YOUNGSTERS in York will soon be kicking their way to success.

Members of the York Martial Arts Academy, based in Heworth and Foxwood, will be competing in the World Kickboxing Association Championships in Karshule, Germany, between August 24 and September 2 this year.

With the competitors starting at just 11 years old, and three Great Britain champions between the ages of 12 and 15, the children have already got one foot on the ladder for a career in martial arts.

Darren Catterson, whose 12-year-old son Macauley will be competing in the event, said: "It's quite an achievement. These kids own gold and silver medals for Great Britain and England.

"It's a rare occasion that from the same academy we have got all these going."

Competing in events this year will be Georgia Shaw, 11, Luke Burkes, 14, Jay Spain, 15, and Macauley Catterson, 12.

Fundraising for the event was helped by The Winning Post public house, 659 Taxis, P and M Nixon Builders, La Beaute, the Mount Royale Hotel, Foxwood Community Centre and Heworth Without Community Centre.

Anyone who would like to get involved with the club or with fundraising should call Craig Long on 07766 545972.