(Image: Supplied)
A PROMISING young footballer who was scouted by Bradford City has given up the sport to chase his dream of joining the American UFC, writes James Bovington.
Noah Toothill, 15, was so inspired by his brother Zac's success as a mixed martial artist that he started training in January last year.
He said: "My brother Zac is a world champion in various disciplines many times over and was also the youngest ever Kids IMMAF world champion.
"I thought I'm having some of that."
Guiseley School pupil Noah, who is the youngest in year 11, trains at Strike Kings in Bradford, under the guidance of coaches Callum and Tom Mullen.
His dad John Toothill, said: "Noah trains at Strike Kings in Bradford coached by the Mullen brothers Callum and Tom.
"His progress has been exponential as he’s committed to daily training in a range of combat sports which underpin MMA including Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Kickboxing, Wrestling, and MMA.
"He trains in Bradford but also has regular training arranged in Manchester each week and Liverpool for Team England training."
In a short span of time, Noah has already made a name for himself in the fighting world, bagging British and European MMA titles and a world BJJ title.
He has also represented the Team England squad in international tournaments in Serbia and Poland.
This year, he has won at Saif Khan's Bradford-based promotion Combat Challenge, which takes place three times a year at Bradford's Cedar Court Hotel.
His wins included defeating opponents from as near as Nottingham and as far away as Ireland, as he's competed at various weights between 40kg and 51kg.
Noah has been diagnosed with ADHD, and his dad believes that his commitment to intense training has made formal learning easier for him.
John added: "Mum Sarah and I are proud of him win or lose, but of course absolutely delighted with his achievements."
Noah hopes to be selected again for the national squad for the IMMAF European championships in Belgrade early next year and then the world championships in Abu Dhabi next summer.
As participation is entirely self-funded, Noah would appreciate potential sponsors contacting Sarah Toothill at abinoah@hotmail.co.uk.