WORLD championships could be beckoning for a Knutsford nine-year-old.

Passionate kickboxer Alana Fagan, already a junior European champion, will be competing in the WKKC English Championships in the North Notts Arena in Worksop on Sunday, March 17.

The event is a qualifier for the world championships in Portugal later this year.

Alana, who is in Year 5 at Lower Peover C of E Primary School, will head to Worksop on the back of achieving her purple belt in style last weekend.

For the third time in a row, she passed the grading with a full-house score of 80/80.

Alana attends Senshi Academy Liverpool/Widnes which has produced multiple world champions under head coaches Ben Clark and Lorraine Riley.

Knutsford Guardian:

Her mum Samantha spoke about the way Alana applies herself to kickboxing, “Alana is a hard worker who trains five days a week and lives for the sport,” she said.

“Her dedication and commitment has inspired her younger sister Carys, who turned eight last week, to also join.

“Last year in her first competitive season Alana won numerous titles including Junior European Champion.

“We are extremely proud of her for her passion towards the sport and encouraging others to give it a try.”

Alana laid down a marker with her European title success last year.

“She won the WMO European Championship in Liverpool in the novice points section, 0-8 years female, winning three fights that day,” said Samantha.

“She also qualified for last year’s WKU World Championships in Canada but due to us moving house we were unable to attend.”

Knutsford Guardian:

Alana is now fighting in the aged 9-12 advanced 25-30kg section, making her one of the youngest and lightest in the category and it highlights how much of an achievement it would be for Alana to book her ticket to Portugal.

She fancies giving another martial art a go as well and became hooked on combat sports through knowing and admiring professional MMA fighter Connor Hughes.

“Alana has expressed her interest in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and would like to give it a try alongside kickboxing,” said her mum.

“Her dream is to be a kickboxing world champion and then eventually would like to become a professional MMA fighter.

“Alana was first inspired to try martial arts after watching her dad’s friend Connor compete.

“Connor is currently signed to major promotion PFL in their lightweight tournament and still takes time out of his busy schedule to give Alana advice and support when needed.”

With a busy year ahead, the family would welcome sponsorship or donations to assist Alana’s progress in combat sports.

Any sponsors can make contact via Alana’s social media channels or contact her dad Michael on 07761 079229.

A crowdfunding page has been created for donations and can be found at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Alanafagan

Alana’s social media accounts run by her mum and dad are Instagram: alanaf_kickboxing and Facebook: Alana Fagan Kickboxer