Named: Up-and-coming young northern NSW fighters rising through the ranks
Teen years can be wracked with anxiety – but a change is mounting as northern NSW youngsters send self-doubt crashing to the canvas. These are the region’s up-and-coming young fighters.
Regional News
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The picture-perfect North Coast of NSW is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle – and it’s a region which revels in its rebelliousness.
The ‘Wild North’ is coveted by retirees and families who want away from the crowded loneliness of Sydney or Melbourne life, but the coast of free livin’ also comes with challenges.
A vacuum of structure can be challenging for some teens trying to find their identity and way.
Enter the growing number of combat sports clubs – and participants – across the region.
From martial arts and Muay Thai through to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and old school boxing fisticuffs – the sweaty gyms are filling a void and making a difference.
Fight 4 Youth a stone’s throw from Tweed is a stellar example of the change for good.
The Currumbin-based organisation working with northern NSW and Gold Coast youth is an inclusive, multicultural centre supporting a diverse range of kids, with therapeutic-based programs through to physical activities for all abilities.
Fight 4 Youth aims to build confidence, self-awareness and acceptance through sport, mentoring and empowerment programs.
It runs a boxing project which helps young people find self-belief and focus.
Leisa J Logan founded Fight 4 Youth in 2015, and over the years has established a range of programs and supports aimed to positively shape the futures of young people.
South at Kempsey, another evolution is underway.
NRL star Latrell Mitchell is a pin-up boy for the Fight for Success Program, which is seeing the revitalisation of amateur boxing through PCYCs.
Burringbar teen Phoenix Paszkowski is one of a growing army of youngsters finding direction through the combat sports.
“I played soccer for three or four years, then basketball for six months before going fully into boxing,” the Year 9 Kingscliff High School student said.
“It teaches you lots of things like self-discipline – it’s not just getting inside the ropes and fighting.”
Phoenix’s burgeoning career took a major step forward when he won the recent Golden Gloves in Brisbane in the 57-60kg boys division for 15-16 year olds.
“I have a drive to be the best. I try to perfect everything that I do,” he said.
Take a look at rising talents across the North Coast, as well as some young southern Gold Coast stars often in action over the border.
Dylan McAllister
Age 14, boxing, Fight 4 Youth Currumbin
“I love boxing because of the confidence I have gained from it.”
“Boxing has taught me discipline, consistency and respect. I have been boxing since I was 11 and I have had 25 fights.
“I started boxing because of my brother Billy, who has represented Australia in the Commonwealth Games and won bronze in an international tournament in Hungary. I owe my love of boxing to him. One day I hope to represent Australia just as he has.
“My greatest achievement so far is winning Australasian Golden Gloves. I have learned so much from my coach Lee Jenkins, Leisa Logan and everybody at Fight 4 Youth.
“I am proud to represent a gym that does so much for the community.”
Riley Sant
Age 12, BJJ and MMA, C4 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Coffs Harbour
”I really love Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. It’s like chess for the body and it’s super fun to roll around on the mats and learn all those cool moves. I’ve made some great friends at C4 too.”
“I’m persistent. When I’m practicing, I don’t give up even if it’s tough. I’m dedicated too. I spend hours training to get better.
“Plus, MMA teaches me empathy. I understand what it feels like to be in someone else’s shoes when we spar.
“I’m a grey-white belt and I’ve had some success at comps too – 28 wins, with 14 of them by submission. I make new friends at every comp and we celebrate together.
“My goal? To keep working hard, get even better, and maybe one day submit coach Chris.
“It’s not just about winning; it’s about growing and learning. That’s why I love BJJ and MMA.”
Kalila Zylstra
Age 17, Muay Thai, Urban Muay Thai Tweed Heads
“I first started Muay Thai because I wanted to do a sport, but I did not want to continue in gymnastics which I what I was doing at the time, so my parents signed me up.”
“I love and continue to do Muay Thai because it brings so much joy into my life. From it, I have developed many skills such as commitment and self-discipline.
“Mostly though, I love the community that comes with being a part of the gym.
“For my future goals, I want to go to university for exercise science. From there I’m interested in pursuing work in athletic recovery or personal training.”
Phoenix Paszkowski
Age 15, boxing, Fight 4 Youth Currumbin
“I like boxing because it is a sport where I can let all of my anger and emotion out on the bag and leave all of it in the ring.”
“It is a sport of perfection and as a perfectionist it drives me to become better and stronger but most importantly it helps me defeat fear.
“I have already achieved what I wanted to achieve which was conquering my nerves in the ring and now I’m not sure how far I want to take it so I’m just taking it one step at a time.
“I love Fight 4 Youth because it is a great environment with lovely people who always push me to be better, especially my coach and fellow fighters.
“They fundraise to help people and run heaps of programs for anyone and everyone who wants to attend them.”
Jake Howard
Age 14, Muay Thai, Urban Muay Thai Tweed Heads
“I started Muay Thai because my mum made me when I was 11 because she did the sport. I didn’t like it at first as it was hard work.”
“I love it now. It has taught me self-discipline and self-respect and I love the physical challenges of my fitness.
“Urban Muay Thai is a great club and the trainers are very supportive and encouraging.
“Even though I’m only 14, I have been training with the adults for over six months. I will continue to train until I receive my red singlet and will strive to be the best I can be.
“Just do it and join a club today.”
Joel Pavlides
Age 21, boxing, Fight 4 Youth Currumbin
“I started boxing when I was 16.”
“I have now had 16 amateur fights and five professional fights.”
Emily Sant
Age 10, BJJ, C4 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Coffs Harbour
“Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is super cool because it’s not just about fighting, it’s about using your brain too. That’s why I love it so much.”
“I’m determined. BJJ is technical, you have to practice a lot to get good. But I never give up, even when I can’t do a move. I keep trying until I get it, and that makes me feel so proud.
“I’m compassionate. BJJ teaches you to be kind and respectful to your training partners. We help each other learn and grow. It’s like a big team of friends.
“At first, being a girl I was nervous, but with coach Zoie’s support, I’ve learnt girls can kick butt too.
“I’ve won nine times in competitions, and I even have a grey-white belt now.
“My goal is to keep getting better and learn new techniques. BJJ makes me feel strong inside and out.”
Bronte Simpson Hay
Age 22, Muay Thai, South Of The Border Muay Thai (SOTB) Byron Bay
“I love Muay Thai because there is no greater feeling then being in the ring. Just you, your opponent and the relentless pursuit to win.”
“I feel like my greatest strength is my determination and my inability to give up. I train extremely hard and every fight is shaping me into a better fighter.
“My biggest achievement so far has been fighting in Thailand in the famed Lumpinee stadium for the lightweight championship belt. One day I hope to become Muay Thai champion of the world.
“I am extremely lucky to fight out of SOTB, it is a super friendly and inclusive environment which challenges you to become a better person and martial artist.
“My coach has so much knowledge and is constantly helping me and my teammates level up.”
Oliver Brisbane
Age 16, Muay Thai, Solace Athletica Ballina
“Learning how to fight has always been something I’ve wanted to do because I believe all men need to have some knowledge on how to protect themselves or their family.”
“My goals are to eventually be good enough to have a professional fight one day and hopefully get bigger legs.
“I enjoy perfecting my movements and being shown better ways of throwing kicks, punches, knees and elbows and getting fitter.”
Noah Medel
Age 16, boxing, Counterpunch Byron Bay
“My love for fighting started at the age of four when my dad decided to start regularly taking me to jiu jitsu classes.
“I trained in jui jitsu for a total of nine years and competed twice, winning a silver medal in one competition and coming fourth place in the other.
“I then moved onto boxing at the age of 13. I signed up and started training at the PCYC in Lismore and I loved it. I was sparring with kids my age and it’s where I first started to really love boxing.
“I had around a year break due to Covid and then started back up at Newmans boxing in Byron when I was 15. While training there I had the opportunity to spar a competing girl who was my age. I went into it with my coach and parents thinking I was going to lose and also doubting myself as well due to the big gap of experience between me and her, but by the end of it I had dominated her and won.
“After training at Newmans for a year-and-a-half I decided to move to where I am now, Counterpunch.
“In boxing I believe my strengths are my determination to win, ability to focus and judge what situation I am in the midst of a fight. And my speed and power in both hands.
“I believe if I train and focus hard enough I will become a future welterweight world champion.”
Sam Ellis
Age 15, Muay Thai, Solace Muay Thai Ballina
“At Solace Muay Thai they train you to be physically and mentally fit. Spiro teaches us discipline and has created a family-like environment which is very encouraging and supportive.”
“I am training towards my first fight next year, and am looking forward to the challenge on the way.
“One of my strengths are to pick up and learn new things quickly, meaning I have a good knowledge about the sport.
“Some achievements I have made is to properly do a head kick. When I did my first lesson at Solace Muay Thai I could barely perform a regular kick.”
Jesse Townsend
Age 14, boxing, Fight 4 Youth Currumbin
“I’ve only been boxing for six months.”
“Stepping in the ring for the first time at our fundraising exhibition fight night was my greatest accomplishment so far.
“Fight 4 Youth is so good. It’s helped me with my confidence and Leisa and all coaches are so cool for what they do for everyone.”
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