William Glover, from Barrow, near Bury St Edmunds, selected for England karate squad

A 14-year-old from Suffolk has been selected for the England karate squad.

William Glover, from Barrow, near Bury St Edmunds, has been doing martial arts since he was five years old after his dad took him to a class.

The teenager joined a karate club in Barrow before moving to a group in Haverhill where he gained competition experience and progressed to his first black belt.

Following a move to Bury St Edmunds Shotokan Club, based at the Skyliner, William met his coach Antonio Cadeddu (Tony).

The young karate fanatic said Tony is a great coach because he teaches discipline and respect, but he also pushes students to the next level.

William said: “I really love everything about karate and I feel that Tony’s club is great for my development.

“The atmosphere is so positive and I also get to teach younger students which I enjoy because it’s actually very beneficial for me to keep covering the basics.”

“I was very excited to be selected into the England squad, but now the hard work starts.

“I’ll be attending and taking part in lots of competitions up and down the country as well as going to numerous England karate squad training sessions in Liverpool, where I have to complete a series of moves, called Kata, which is what I’m strongest at, but I also do free-fighting.”

“We’re constantly monitored and judged. It’s a bit scary, but it’s also very good for your confidence and self-esteem.”

William’s coach Tony, who lives in Sudbury, but runs the club based at the Skyliner, said: “I’m very proud of William’s selection into the England squad – we all are.

“He’s a joy to teach and the younger children really aspire to him as well, which is wonderful. He has a lot of potential, he is strong and focused.”

“Karate is good for children’s development in many ways, both physically and mentally.”

“We see young children come here and their confidence just grows. They learn discipline and respect and this carries through into their everyday lives.”

William’s dad, John, is a portrait artist and had been practising karate on and off for many years before he introduced William to martial arts.

They would practise outside in the garden when he was a little boy, doing all the basic moves and William soon became hooked.

John said: “William achieved his first black belt when he was nine and his second aged thirteen, so he’s done tremendously well.”

“Like many parents with children who are committed to an activity or sport, I’ve been William’s taxi driver for many years, taking him from club to club and having to travel some distance, but it certainly isn’t a chore.

“I’ve been more than happy to support him and now we get to practice in the same sessions together which is great fun.”

“My wife and I are super proud of William’s selection into the England squad which is a huge achievement, but we have a busy year ahead of us with lots of travelling.

The family recently travelled to Liverpool, where he recently achieved fourth place in the Youth Karate Championships, which was his first time competing at that level.

Rebecca MacDonald, centre manager at Skyliner said: “Congratulations to William for his recent selection – we’re so pleased to see him and Tony’s club doing so well.

“Community sport and activity clubs are an important part of our organisation and we are always happy to work with them to offer local people the opportunity to lead healthier, more active lives.”