Waterside's Tristan gets GB call up for European championships

A NEW FOREST taekwondo athlete has been selected to represent Great Britain at the upcoming Cadet European Championships in Marina D’or, Spain at the start of October.

Fourteen-year-old blackbelt Tristan Neill, who trains at Waterside Taekwondo Club, regularly travels to train with GB teammates at the elite GB Taekwondo training facility in Manchester.

The Testwood School pupil’s dad, Sean Neill, is one of the club’s senior sparring coaches. He said: “Tristan has worked so hard to get to where he is, giving up the weekends to spend hours in the car to Manchester takes a lot of dedication, add that to the time spent in local classes and his own time spent in the gym. He is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

“He is a role model to others and a great ambassador for the club.”

The Waterside Taekwondo Club has recently found a new home after a seven-year search.

Master Colin Graves said: “We have so many talented students like Tristan, and it gives me so much pride that he will be representing his country. Tristan deserves all his success as he gives 110% effort when he comes training with us.

“Although we are delighted to have our new venue in Hythe, the club will continue to run its satellite clubs in Totton, Thornhill, Sholing and Millbrook to continue its great progress.”

Besides the help Tristan receives from sponsor Clockwork Yellow, his involvement in the GB set up and travel to Manchester is entirely self-funded.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Tristan or train with the club should contact Colin or Sean on either 07871 875254 or 07891 470713 respectively – alternatively, email watersidetkd@gmail.com.