Future looks bright for kickboxing champion Zach

At just 12-year-old, Zach Marshall is already a golden boy three times over - claiming three golds and a bronze at the Unified World Championships in Italy.

The Castletown youngster, who trains at the Spartan Fighting Academy, took home gold in the 56kg light continuous in the ring, light continuous on the mats and UFR rules categories at the championships last month.

Now his sporting achievements have been recognised by those on Wearside who have put him forward for an award.

Mum Donna, 41, was delighted with the nomination and said he was a star in and out of the ring.

She said: “I am thrilled he has been put forward for the award and Zach will be really pleased.

“He has also recently competed at the England Open Mat Sport in Rotherham where he won gold and two silvers.

“He is constantly training and is going for his black belt in January, but he still manages to keep up with his school work.”

The Castle View Academy pupil has been training since he was seven and has been competing for the last four years- scooping his first World Championship in Switzerland in 2013 aged just nine.

Since then he has achieved eight belts from various competitions, taken home over 30 medals and trophies and competed in three world championships.

Zach’s latest wins come on the back of a successful tournament at the Seaburn Centre which saw him lift the World Kickboxing Association Junior English Full Contact title.

Now he is gearing up for his next match on December 11, the Northern Area Title Fight in Seaham.

Mrs Marshall continued: “We are so proud of him.

“He is very driven and hates to lose as he is so competitive, but that keeps him working to be the best.

“It is really nice that he has been recognised for the award, as there is a lot of negativity around kickboxing- but it is a controlled sport and the fact that he is doing well in it and at school proves that he can do both.”

The Best of Wearside Awards 2016 are under way and we are looking for impressive individuals like Zach to be put forward.

Categories include Green Champion; Student of the Year; Fundraiser of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Sporting Achievement; Community Group; Community Champion; Local Hero; Child of Achievement; and Child of Courage.

This year’s sponsors are Calsonic Kansei, Gentoo, Vantec, Station Taxis, TWR, and Sunderland Live who will be sponsoring a range of categories.

To nominate, just send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.

Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into.

Send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email, to Lynn Wild by 5pm on Friday, December 30, 2016.

Entries should sent by email to: [email protected] or posted to: Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, DH4 5RA.