Doncaster: Teenage fighter to represent England at World Championships

A 15-year-old fighter from Doncaster will represent England at an international competition later this year.

Darcy Criddle has been training for over ten years and is now part of the national selection for the upcoming World Karate and Kickboxing Championships in Albufeira, Portugal.

The October event attracts more than 2,000 participants spread over a week.

The teenager’s family said that whatever happens at the event, they are extremely proud that she was chosen for her country.

Darcy has been training at Andy Crittenden’s Martial Arts Centre since she was five years old and is now a second degree black belt in Multi Skilled Martial Arts. She is also training for her kickboxing black belt.

She is also a member of the instructor team at ACMAC and this year she won the Junior Instructor Team Member Award.

Darcy’s mother Linda Criddle also trains at the same centre.

“Darcy has said over the years that she wants to compete in the World Championships. She has seen other teammates compete there,” she said.

“I said it’s hard work, you have to put in the extra time, and she did that.

“She has competed in a number of regional and national competitions and has qualified to represent England. It is just incredible.”

Meanwhile, staff and students at Darcy’s school, the Sir Thomas Wharton Academy in Doncaster, are offering her support.

Director Matt McDonald said they were all “incredibly proud” of her “remarkable achievement”.

“To represent her country on such a big stage is a testament to her dedication, hard work and talent.

“She is an inspiration to all of us at the Academy.”

Darcy is now trying to raise sponsorship money to cover travel, accommodation and training costs for the competition so she can concentrate on her performance.