A boxing club is raising money to turn a dream into reality for some of its young members.
RKA Kickboxing Academy based in March is fundraising for a trip of a lifetime for nine youngsters at the club who hope to travel to Germany in November to represent England in the Unified European Championships.
The club has been ranked the fifth-highest in Europe after the team won a total of 13 gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals at the European Kickboxing Championships on Sunday in Barnsley, where 73 clubs were in attendance.
Alfie Youens, 11, from Manea, who joined the fight team in August last year and won three gold medals on Sunday, is among the fighters who will be making the journey to Germany.
The club has already raised money for the Team GB kits which have already been purchased for the youngsters at £160 each.
Now money is being raised for the travel, accommodation, and entries, which cost about £300 per fighter.
Parents of the fighters at RKA Kickboxing Academy have been getting involved in fundraising by organising bingo and horse racing nights.
Stuate Harris, co-owner at the club, has set up aGoFundMe page as “unfortunately with our sport, there is no main central governing body so there is very little to no funding so we are having to raise money for the guys to help with the costs”, he said.
Some funding has come from sponsorships that Stuart has been able to get as well as donations.
A bingo night is will be taking place on May 20, starting at 6.30pm at United Service Club in March and everyone is welcome.
Stuart said the club is looking at raising £2,500-£3,000 to cover the costs needed to make the trip happen.
So far £1,200 has been raised.
Stuart added: “It would be absolutely incredible to get the club out to Germany, it's going to be an absolutely amazing experience for them to experience it and compete over there.
“If they get on the podium and win their category they get a championship belt and get to stay on the podium for the national anthem.”
