Martial arts: Watkinson’s youthful fling (From York Press)

Martial arts: Watkinson’s youthful fling

10:20am Saturday 15th September 2012 in Sport By Tony Kelly, Deputy sports editor

TEEN power is at its most youthful for United Masters Academy kick-boxer Sam Watkinson.

The youngster is currently competing at the WAKO world cadet championships in Bratislava in Slovakia and boasts the distinction of being the youngest ring warrior.

To compete youngsters have to be aged 13 by September 1. Watkinson, whose dad Gaz runs the United Masters Academy in Layerthorpe with Tony Dias, celebrated his entry into teenager-dom just the day before the age cut-off.

The Wigginton -based ace is among a three-strong UMA contingent in Slovakia. Also competing are club-mates Megan Wetten and Oliver Morrell.

And further in action are York brother and sister Macaulay and Courtney Catterson who train at the new York Boxing Club premises in Walmgate.

The siblings – Courtney is currently a pupil at York High School , while her elder brother Macaulay is hoping to soon join the RAF – are contenders for major honours.