7th February 2018

A ten strong GB Taekwondo squad has been selected for the sixth edition of the European Taekwondo Clubs’ Championship starting in Istanbul tomorrow. (Thursday).

The same athletes will then remain in Istanbul to compete at the Turkish Open.

The squad includes World Taekwondo President’s Cup silver medallist, Max Cater, Luke Jones, younger brother of double Olympic champion, Jade Jones, and Hassan Haider who represented GB at last year’s World Championship.

“I’m feeling excited because my game plan has been getting stronger and I want to use the new weapons I’ve been trying in training,” said the teenage Scot.

“The rest of the year is also looking good. Hopefully, I can put in some medal-winning performances then break into the top 32 by the end of the competition season.”

Norwich youngster Jack Spall, who joined the Manchester-based Academy through the Fighting Chance talent ID initiative in 2016 said,

“My preparation has gone well and I have worked to develop my identity as a fighter and really nail my game plan so it becomes natural in the ring.

Coached by Nelson Miller, Spall added: “Working with the other heavyweights too has also been a benefit as we treat every drill like a real situation.

“Also we train on our own ID’s and drills specific to us and not other people.”

Spall will be joined by fellow heavyweights, Jonathan Bangura and Academy newcomer, Brandon Jewell, a recent convert from karate.

Schedule:

Thursday, February 8:

Male:

-58kg: Max Cater (Lewisham), Hassan Haider (Falkirk), Luke Jones (Flint), Cameron Booth (Nottingham)

-68kg: Jacob Barnett (Baildon)

Friday, February 9:

Male:

+87kg: Jonathan Bangura (Newham), Brandon Jewell (Southampton), Jack Spall (Attleborough)

Female:

-57kg: Isobella McNeish (Plaistow), Emelye O’Brien (Bradford)