Back in February, a group of nine of our young fighters did
something incredible; they flew out to Serbia to compete in the
Youth MMA European Championships. For most of them, it was
their first time fighting at that level, and competing abroad, for
all of them, it was an experience they’ll never forget. We knew
they’d trained very hard. We all saw the dedication day in and
day out,and all of the hours in the gym. Nothing really prepares
for what it feels like when walking out, wearing their country’s
colours, ready to face some of the best youth fighters from
across Europe.
Our team was made up of nine kids Anthony, Dani, Albie, JJ,
Drake, Nathan, Joseph, Mikey, and Richie. Each of them
brought something special to the team. Different personalities,
different fighting styles and all of them gave absolutely
everything. We came home with three gold medals. Anthony,
Dani, and Albie fought like champions and earned the top spot
on the podium. Watching them get their hands raised was a
moment none of us will forget. JJ and Drake brought home
bronze medals, both had tough matchups and had to dig deep
and they did exactly that. Medals mean alot but they are not
everything. Nathan, Joseph, Mikey, and Richie didn’t make it
onto the podium this time, but what they did show was heart.
Real heart. They fought through nerves, tough draws, hard
opponents, and they never gave up. They gave it everything,
and they walked out with heads held up high. They learned and
it’s helping them grow as athletes.
Sometimes the toughest fights are the ones that teach us the
most. And these lads showed that they’ve got the grit and the
character to keep going. Their time will come and when it does,
they’ll be stronger for what they’ve been through. One of the
best parts of the whole trip wasn’t just the fights it was watching
this group of kids support one another. They cheered each
other on, and made memories that will stick for life. That kind
of team spirit is rare. It wasn’t just about individuals chasing
medals. It was about all of them being in it together.
We’ve got to give a huge shout out to the coaches. What they
do goes far beyond teaching techniques. They were there
every step of the way calming nerves, giving advice between
rounds, celebrating the wins, and lifting the kids back up after
losses. The time, love, and belief they put into these young
athletes is incredible. The trip to Serbia wasn’t just about
medals and results. It was about experiences. It was about
personal growth. About stepping out of comfort zones. For
some of these kids, it was the first time competing abroad, the
first time fighting on such a big stage. And they handled it so
well.
Now that we’re back home, things haven’t slowed down one bit.
The kids are already back on the mats, fired up and more
focused than ever. There’s a hunger now, a new level of belief.
They’ve seen what’s out there, they know what it takes ,and
most of them are now going to the worlds in Abu dhabi.
To Anthony, Dani, Albie, JJ, Drake, Nathan, Joseph, Mikey, and
Richie we are so incredibly proud of you. You represented us
with pride, with respect, and with heart. You’re role models now,
whether you realise it or not. The younger kids in the gym look
up to you and so do we. What you achieved in Serbia will stay
with you forever, and it’s only the beginning. We set out on this
trip hoping for a great experience. We came back with medals,
memories, and a stronger team than ever. Thank you all for
your effort, your courage, and your example.
Here’s to the world championships in Abu dhabi. We’ll be ready.
