Thank You for Backing Steffan’s Martial Arts Journey

Fourteen-year-old Steffan has been training at Seven Stars Martial Arts in Neath for three years—and in that short time he’s earned places on both the Wales Kickboxing & Martial Arts and Great Britain Martial Arts teams, following two Grand Championship wins at a major New York tournament in November 2024. He’s also a diligent Year 10 student at Cwmtawe Community School, a leadership volunteer at his club, and an active Neath Port Talbot youth council representative—proof that the dedication he shows on the mat runs right through his daily life.

This year brings his biggest challenges yet, including national events across England, Wales and Scotland, and two world championships — one in Wales and one in Oslo, Norway. Entry fees, travel and accommodation quickly add up, and while the family has worked hard to cover costs themselves, fundraising and community support has made this all possible.  As one generous note from Yeo Valley put it, a £1,000 donation was made “to help him realise his ambition”—a gift that has helped unlock other sponsors and eased the most daunting aspects of fundraising.

From the family: a heartfelt thank you to the brilliant local businesses and organisations who have stepped up already. Your backing doesn’t just fund kit, travel and entry fees—it tells a young athlete that his community believes in him.

Sponsors

Yeo Valley; Clifton Performance Coaching; Westward Energy Services; Bowen Hopkins Ltd; Viv Date Carpets; Slice & Dice; Hippopips; The Tamarind; EWS Electrical; Wall Colmonoy; Lliw Building Supplies; Buzz Trampoline Park; BOWs Touch Rugby; Heart of the Valley; Shortlands Farm Campsite; Forge Fach Day Nursery; Complete Accident Solutions.

Raffle & Prize Donors

The Pontardawe Inn; Sweet Williams; Chirpy Bird; Garrisons; The Hangar Climbing Centre; Rossellis Coffee House; LC Swansea; Folly Farm; Dale the Barber; Dennis Barbers; Brynamman Cinema; Jenkins Bakery; Butchers 7s; Swansea Flower Studio; The Mond Valley Golf Club.

How to help (if you can)

• All funds required for Steffan to compete this year have been raised. 2026 tournaments are already being scheduled with Ireland in February 2026 being the first.  Businesses can sponsor, donate a raffle prize, or offer in-kind support (kit, travel, etc).

• Steffan will proudly thank sponsors on social media (with tags), in results posts, and on selected kit/hoodie travel wear.

• He also undertakes drone photography / videography and has supported a number of local events and clubs—another way he can give back.

From all of us: diolch to every sponsor, donor and friend who’s helped so far—and to those considering lending a hand next. To get in touch email caroline.batsford@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07870589730