Three talented young kickboxers from Milton Keynes are set to represent Team England on the world stage after qualifying for a prestigious international tournament in Brisbane, Australia this October. Now they’re appealing to the MK community to help them realise their dreams. Zoe Gray (16) from Middleton, Yas Jerome (14) from Bletchley, and Benjamin Jackson […] The post Teen kickboxers appeal to locals to support their Aussie dream appeared first on MK Pulse.
Three talented young kickboxers from Milton Keynes are set to represent Team England on the world stage after qualifying for a prestigious international tournament in Brisbane, Australia this October. Now they’re appealing to the MK community to help them realise their dreams.
Zoe Gray (16) from Middleton, Yas Jerome (14) from Bletchley, and Benjamin Jackson (13) from Wavendon Gate, all train at Banks Kickboxing and Boxing in Bletchley. They secured their places on the ISKA national team after beating tough competition from across the UK. But unlike many youth sports, kickboxing receives no government or official funding – meaning all costs must be covered by the athletes and their families.
The trio has calculated they’ll need to raise around £17,000 to cover flights, accommodation, competition fees, and essential kit. They’ve now launched a fundraising campaign and are appealing to local individuals and businesses for donations or sponsorship
Zoe, who attends Moulton College said: “We’re so excited to have this opportunity, but without support, it’s simply out of our reach. We’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and we really hope the MK community will support us.”
All three athletes have an impressive track record that they’re hoping emulate in Australia. Yas and Ben competed in the ISKA European Kickboxing Championships in Malta this summer, with Yas achieving two gold medals, while Zoe and Ben took away gold at the recent ISKA British Championships.
Senior Coach, Thomas Banks, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Zoe, Yas, and Ben to compete at the highest level. They train relentlessly, coach others, and are fantastic role models for the hundreds of members at our gym. We’d be incredibly grateful for any support from the local community.”
Home schooler Yas, who holds an ICO English title and is a finalist in the MK Inspiration Awards for ‘Inspiring Young Person,’ said: “I have been kickboxing at Banks since I was 6 years old. It’s been an amazing journey that has included training through Covid-19, achieving my Black Belt at 11, competing in Malta and now the chance to go to Australia.”
Walton High pupil Benjamin, who has just been awarded his Black Belt, added: “We’re absolutely buzzing to have qualified for the World Championships. We have already started fundraising to help us get to Australia, but it’s very expensive. If any businesses, organisations, or individuals can help us, we’d be forever grateful.”
Anyone interested in supporting Zoe, Yas and Ben’s cause can contact Banks at info@banksmartialarts.co.uk or call 01908 870575. The club has also set up a Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-get-banks-to-brisbane
The post Teen kickboxers appeal to locals to support their Aussie dream appeared first on MK Pulse.