Dre Stalder to represent Australia at Muay Thai world youth games

A Sunshine Coast teen is working 40 hours a week as an apprentice tradie to pay his way for a shot at fighting against the world’s best teenagers.

A rising Sunshine Coast Muay Thai fighter is preparing to fight the world’s best teens after working 40 hour weeks to fund his trip to the World Youth Games in Canada.

Dre Stalder, 16, began his carpentry apprenticeship in April with Holland Building and has raised more than $5,500 from working full time, training junior fighters, running personal training sessions and receiving donations.

This comes off the back of his already tight training schedule at Team Stalder Muay Thai in Warana.

“I’m so proud of my achievement and grateful for everyone that supported my fundraising,” Stalder said.

“Friends, family, members and other coaches and staff at fight shows handing me donations, all saying they were really happy to see me working for my trip and not expecting handouts.”

Dre "TSMT" Stalder is heading off to the world youth games in Canada and has funded the trip himself working 40-hour weeks. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Stalder will compete in the under-16, 56kg division from August 12-14 against fighters from across the globe including USA, Thailand, France, Portugal and Japan.

The former Chancellor State College student said he was excited for the coming weeks.

“Last year I won an Australian title and so the Australian coach has been watching my fights, who I was fighting and how I was performing,” Stalder said.

“I like the culture, learning new skills, training certain game plans for different opponents and competing.

“Getting into the ring I used to get nervous, but now I’m just really keen to step over the ropes and start the fight and I love the feeling of getting my hand raised as it’s a reward for all my hard work.”

Dre’s coach and father Brodie Stalder said he was proud of his achievements.

“He’s a coach and trainer’s dream and always gives us 110 per cent,” Stalder said.

“The kids in the gym look up to him and he’s definitely a role model for all ages because if he’s not training or resting, he’s helping others.

“I fought at world events seven times, first one being when I was 14-years-old, so I’m really excited for Dre to get similar opportunities, fight different countries and see these beautiful countries while doing so.”