Taylor Murray

A TALENTED teenager is using his martial arts skills to fly the flag for Renfrewshire on the world stage.

Alfie McIntyre, 14, returned from Thailand recently after picking up his third Muay Thai world title.

He trains at the Reaper Grappling gym, in Linwood, five times a week and has big ambitions.

Alfie said: “The sport is all about discipline. It has been good for my mental health as well.

“When I’m training, it helps take me to a different place and I always aim to be the best I can be and improve my skills.

“Martial arts has always been my thing.”

Alfie said competing in Thailand took his skillset to a new level.

“It was very hard when I was over there,” he added. “The heat basically took a lot out of me.

“In Thailand, they do hit a lot harder. They are the best in the world at it but it is all about being prepared. It is a different type of fighting.

“It’s mad to think I’ve won three world championships.”

Alfie, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is grateful to have 40-year-old dad Mark in his corner as he progresses through the ranks.

Mark is Alfie’s fight coach and the pair travel far and wide for competitions.

“It can be expensive to do but it is something that he loves,” said Mark.

“I don’t drive, so when we go down south for a competition we sometimes have to get four trains and two taxis to reach where we are going.

“We have six sponsors for Alfie that help provide some equipment for him.

“I’m so proud of what he has done in a short space of time.”

Alfie, from Paisley, added: “If it wasn’t for my dad, I wouldn’t be doing this. He is my coach and he is always in my corner.

“My goal is to focus on improving my skills and learn a lot more.

“I want to be the best I can be and go all the way in the sport.”