A GROUP of talented youngsters have been selected to be part of the England Karate Federation youth squad.

Seb Miles, 12, Phoebe and Henry Greetham, 10, Ben Haslam 13 and Jim Selkirk 12, who train with Sensei James Scanlon at JS Karate Academy in Thirsk, have been selected to compete at the Helsinki Open on August 18.

Mr Scanlon said: "They have been competing nationally for the past few years and have won numerous medals between them. To be given the opportunity to represent their country at an international level is a huge step and something they have been striving for."

The youngsters have been selected to compete in team kata alongside two other team members, while Jim will also compete in the age 12 to 13 individual event.

Mr Scanlon added: "As members of the England Youth Team these five have the chance of making the dream of becoming an international karate kata champion a reality."

Although karate is going to feature in the Olympic Games for the first time in Japan 2020, it is currently a self-funded sport and attending international competitions is expensive. Funds are needed to cover the cost of travel, training, accommodation, sports kit and competition entry fees.

  • Anyone interested in supporting the young karate champions can visit fivetofinland.com or for more information email info@fivetofinland.com