Hayden earns England place

Aged just seven, he was the youngest member of the squad.

And despite still being of novice grade, he fought in both advanced and novice categories, eventually losing in the quarter-finals in both sections after beating an Irish national team member, amongst others, in previous rounds.

This was a massive achievement for the young BCKA Boston club member on his first taste of competition at this level.

Prior to this Hayden also came second in light continuous at the WKC National championships at the end of February in Manchester, fighting in the advanced sections.

In doing this he qualified for the WKC world championships in Portugal in October.

Hayden trains at Boston BCKA under coaches Dave Trotter and his father Jason Smalley.

For any info on classes call 07836 695 928.

Students can start as young as four.

Pictured is Hayden with dad Jason (left) and team head coach Alex Barrowman Jnr.