ONE youngster’s lifelong dream of opening a boxing club has finally come true - and she’s now hoping to inspire more to pick up combat sports.

Since she was five years old, Caitlin Coles has been pursuing her love for combat sports, taking part in karate and kickboxing.

After volunteering at her local clubs, the 22-year-old’s dreams of opening her own club were born - and following six years of planning she’s finally made it a reality.

“I told my dad one day that I was going to run my own gym,” she told the Chronicle.

“He said if that’s what you want to do then that’s what we’ll do.

“It’s taken a while, it’s been about six years in the making.

“But we’ve managed to get everything together.”

Her dad, Proud of Barnsley-winning fundraiser Gavin Coles, has supported her throughout and now Griffin Boxing Club has finally opened in Royston.

“The response has been quite positive so far,” Caitlin added.

“You don’t see many female head coaches - you’ll get female volunteers and assistant coaches but not so much in this position.

“It can be hard, I’m not going to beat around the bush - especially because I’m so young.

“People walk straight up to the blokes then apologise and come to me - obviously I’ve got used to it after all these years.

“I’d love to bring more women and girls in - it’s about empowering anybody, girls and boys.”

While she has worked hard to open this establishment, Caitlin does have to thank the Chronicle for part of this accomplishment.

“I was in the paper years back and the Chronicle accidentally called me ‘Griffin Coles’.

“It just kind of stuck from there - I looked into the meaning and it’s all about strength and courage, I thought that worked really well.”