Strabane club to host first-ever junior fight series

SOME of the best young kick-boxers from all over Ireland will descend on Strabane next weekend for the first-ever junior fight series.

Young fighters, 14 of them local, will be taking centre stage at the 'Little Legacies' in the Alley Theatre on Saturday, November 11.

With over 20 fights on the card from novice bouts right up to some of Ireland's most talented fighters, it promises to be an event not to be missed!

Hosted by Strabane Martial Arts Academy (SMAA), the show is designed to give young talent a platform to showcase their skills under the bright lights of the big stage in front of a sold-out crowd.

SMAA's Dee McIntyre explained: "It's going to be a huge show for us and we're pulling out all the stops to make sure it's as good as it gets.

"It's been something that we've been planning and working on for a long time.

"There's plenty of shows and events for adults and seniors but the best that a junior can really get is the undercard, early before any of the senior fights.

"There's a wealth of talent among the junior set-up so we decided we'd run an event and have it solely for them."

First announced back in August, Dee says the interest in the show has been phenomenal.

"It has definitely gathered a lot of interest. We had a list of around 120 fighters from all over Ireland looking to be part of it," he said.

"As far as I'm aware, there's never been an event show solely for juniors and this will be run as a fight series, meaning it will be done every year.

"We're working on a five-year plan of building up the event.

"Each year it can only get better and we expect that it will become a household name on the kickboxing scene."

Dee says the setting of the venue will offer the young fighters an "unforgettable experience"

"We are very lucky to have the Alley Theatre and we are very grateful for their support as we develop the show around it," he added.

"It's easy to run a show in a community centre or hotel venue, but it doesn't give you the same atmosphere.

"The theatre has it all with pyrotechnics, lightning and sound, coupled with a massive stage so it will be an unreal experience for the fighters.

"The venue is as good as it gets and it will be a great spectacle as the juniors compete in the most impressive show of its kind."

With up to 22 fights set to take place, the young fighters at SMAA are busy honing their skills.

"We have some brilliant match-ups lined up," Dee addd. "Our juniors are all experienced fighters at a good level so there will be a lot of local talent on show as well as the best in Ireland.

"We're lucky that we have such a strong team of fighters who are all buzzing to be fighting in front of their home crowd.

"They're all really knuckling down, working hard and they can't wait to get out there and impress.

"We have joined up with Fighting Spirit which is an Irish ranking system so with every performance there's points to be won to move up the rankings.

"It means the fighters all have something to fight for and it make that more competitive, especially for the juniors who all want to be moving up.

"It's also a good opportunity to showcase our fighters to big promoters in the UK

"We want promoters to see them on our show and request them from there so it's the best platform we can provide for them to put themselves out there and show their talent."

The event will also bring a welcome boost for the local economy with teams travelling from across Ireland to compete and Dee hopes 'Little Legacies' will soon attract competitors from across the water.

"Teams are coming from Cork and Dublin but every year the show can only get bigger so we do plan on bringing over UK teams in the future," he commented.

"It's definitely in the pipeline but for now, it's keeping it local and establishing the show.”

It marks an exciting time for the local club which has steadily grown since its formation back in 2021.

The local kickboxing club, which Dee formed with friend Mickey Coyle, has grown to become one of the biggest in the country.

SMAA has now firmly cemented its reputation within the kickboxing world, with the 'Little Legacies' the latest venture.

"It's definitely an exciting time for the club. There is a great buzz as we get closer to it," Dee added.

"Myself and Mickey have built this club up from nothing, and we're proud of the fact that we're the biggest club in Northern Ireland, and one of the biggest ones now in Ireland.

"The club has grown massively in a small town. Our gym is massive and we're at capacity now with the juniors and seniors.

"It's really taken off and it's given us the confidence that we're on the right path as we look to the future.

"We're always looking to push forward and this is the latest in our plans.

"There's a lot of working going into making this but it will be worth it.

"It's also nice to have something like this that has never been done before in the whole kickboxing world, and it's being done and held in Strabane, and will always be in Strabane."

The show is expected to be a sell-out and Dee is urging people to come along and support the teams.

He said: "Tickets are now available so I would definitely recommend getting them before they're gone.

"This is a show not be missed and we're all looking forward to making it a success.

"In three or four years' time, once established it will be the biggest junior show without a doubt in Ireland, if not further afield."

Tickets for the show are priced at £15 and are available from the Alley Theatre.

The headline bout will feature two of the country's most promising young fighters in SMAA's Pól Wilson and Cian McDowell of Rath Mor Warriors - K1/Kickboxing & Fitness Gym.

Keep an eye on the SMAA Facebook for further fight announcements and details as the event gets closer.

The show is fully sanctioned by ISKA Ireland and Fighting Spirit in association with sponsors, Just Milked.

* See all the local fighters who are taking part on pages 46 and 47.