Campaign launches to help Leeds kickboxer Leyton, seven, take on the world's best in Japan

Seven-year-old Leyton Tate, from Middleton, only took up the sport around two years ago but appears to have a natural talent which has already taken him to the international stage.

The Windmill Primary School pupil’s skills helped him to secure a gold medal at the World Martial Kombat Federation World Championships in Malta in November, and now his performances have seen him qualify to compete against seasoned fighters in Japan.

But faced with a £1,000 bill to send the aspiring Olympian to the Toki International Cup in Niigata, Japan, in July, his family is appealing for support from the community.

Leyton’s parents, Tanya Brook and Gavin Tate, have launched a crowdfunding campaign to give Leyton the opportunity to take the next step in his fledgling kickboxing career.

“He just seemed to pick it up really, really quickly and he’s made lots of friends through it,” Tanya said.

“He does love it, it’s all he wants to do.

“If he continues to do as well as he’s doing, he’s going to go quite far. We could be looking at a future Olympian.”

Leyton was first taken to kickboxing classes at Fight Club 1, in Wyke, Bradford, around two years ago and quickly took to it.

The youngster trains twice every week and competes all over the UK and most recently in Malta, where he faced other children in the under 125cm category.

His performances have seen him selected to represent his country in Japan this summer alongside one other clubmate.

Leyton’s parents are set to stage fundraising events including a ‘kickathon’ and race night to help the youngster fulfil his dream.

For further information visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/gav-tate.