Sunderland youngsters aiming for gold after being selected for England at World Championships
The gym has set up a fundraiser to help make the youngsters’ dreams come true
Seven youngsters from the same Sunderland gym are set to represent their country after being selected to compete for England at kick boxing in an international tournament.
Billy Duncan, 11, Harrison Bates Whitfield, 17, Frankie Duncan, 14, Daniel Herron, 14, Ellis Chapman, 16, Marnie Smart, 13, and Charlie Anderson, 15, all train at Roker Rough House gym in Monkwearmouth, but will now get to don the England jersey at the ISKA World Championships 2026 in November.
The youngsters were selected after taking part in a national trials tournament in Barnsley.
Frankie Duncan, 14, said: “It’s a huge opportunity for all of us that not many people will get to experience. We are all going to perform well and hopefully bring home gold medals.”
Marnie Smart, 13, added: “I’m buzzing to be representing my country in a sport we are all so dedicated too. We've worked so hard for this opportunity and hope to bring home medals.”
The tournament is due to take place in Madrid between November 5 and 8.
Professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and the gym’s head coach, Josh Abraham, 29, said: “The is a massive achievement by the kids to be selected out of so many gyms to represent their country.
“I’ve coached many of these kids since they were really young and I’m over the moon they will get this opportunity.”
The youngsters now face the challenge of raising sufficient funds to cover the costs of the flights and accommodation to travel out for the tournament.
Roker Rough House ‘gym mum’ Roxanne Wright has set up a GoFundMe appeal to help raise the money to ensure the youngsters get to fulfil their dreams.
She said: “This is the chance of a lifetime for these kids. The grit and work these kids put into their training is second to non and we'd really appreciate it if people could donate to help the kids follow their dreams.
“No matter how big or small of a donation every penny donated is a step closer to helping these kids have the best experience possible without the stress of costs.”