KICK-BOXING kid Sam Derby will represent England in the World Championships in August.
The nine-year-old Great Lever fighter will travel to the Czech Republic to compete against boys up to three years his senior.
He was called up for his country after a string of successes, including victory in the British Championships and the Irish Open.
The St William of York RC Primary School pupil trains at Morrisons Black Belt School Academy in Halliwell.
He earned his international selection when he finished second in an International Sport Kickboxing Association competition in Birmingham which resulted in an invitation to train with the England squad.
He impressed selectors in a two-hour session and was invited back for further coaching last month which convinced selectors to pick him for the six-day tournament in the Czech Republic where he will compete against some of the top semi-contact kick-boxers in the world up to 30kg.
Anybody interested in sponsoring Sam's appearance in the World Championship can contact his father, James, on 07976 371251 or jderby11@fsmail.net
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