BLOSSOMING kickboxers from a Barnsley gym are staging a sponsored spar at their gym on Easter Sunday as part of a fundraising appeal to send their youngsters to Australia - and they’ve also bagged a Young Champions nomination as a result.

The Combat Academy, based in Barugh Green, hope to send its fighters to Brisbane in October to compete in the ISKA World Championships.

All the proceeds from Sunday’s event will go towards the gym’s ‘Kicking For Change’ fundraising initiative which helps fund the kickboxing squad’s costs each year.

“The event is also a family fun day and will include an hour’s ‘pretty spar’ for ladies starting at 2pm,” said Steph Rowett, whose son Max Emeny is aiming to be in the team.

“The team’s been training harder than ever and we’re hoping that a hundred fighters will take part in the sponsored sparring which for the older ones like Max will be a gruelling 50 rounds.

“That’ll show what everyone is made of and also showcase the commitment of so many at the gym, not just the fighters, in order to raise funds to get their teammates to Australia.

“We love to welcome new people and improve community cohesion so please bring along friends and family to share in the Easter fun.”

Mick Crossland, who owns the gym, said he was thrilled to be put forward for the Young Champions award and urged people to help the team reach its fundraising goal this weekend.

“Last year’s event took place in the Austrian capital of Vienna,” he added.

“We had the largest contingent in Team England and our fighters absolutely shone winning 33 medals.

“They included 12 golds and 11 silvers out of a national haul of 98 medals.

“We aim to do even better down under, but first we’ve got to get there.

“To be shortlisted for the award is a great achievement and our youngsters thoroughly deserve it.”