Help get Saoirse to IFMA Youth World Championships

Hi my name is Saoirse Hogan Balfe. I am 12 years old and beyond excited to have been selected to represent Ireland at the IFMA Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi from the 10th-20th September.

I never thought I would be given this opportunity to compete on an international stage with over 2000 of the best youth Muay Thai fighter from all over the world.

I started training with Carlow Muay Thai when I was 10 years old but was extremely anxious . The coaches worked so hard with me and never gave up. They helped get me to where I can walk out on the world stage

Some of my biggest achievements

•IFMA interclub 2023 gold medal

• Welsh amateur open 2024 silver medal

•Selected for team Ireland at the IFMA Youth World Championships Abu Dhabi

• I went to to the amusement arcade and didn’t wear my ear defenders as another part of my training to get prepared for loud noise in the arena.

(If you haven’t guessed yes I have Autism)!

Now I need everyone’s help please. Our Muay thai sport doesn’t receive any funding from Sports Ireland and we solely rely on fundraising to attend events.

The costs are quite severe and I would love to raise as much as possible so that I can help towards funding and having my own coach who helps me regulate before a fight .

Here’s how you can help :

• Every donation counts no matter how big or small, thank you so much!

• Even if you can’t donate please share with your family and friends

Thank you for taking time to read my story and I will do my very best to make you all proud.

#CarlowMuaythai #MuaythaiForAll

#TeamIreland #ChaseYourDream