MEMBERS of one of the city's leading martial arts clubs could miss a major tournament because of a lack of cash.

Youngsters from the Mad Dogs club in Hanley have won medals and titles all over the world since the club was formed in 2000.

However, up to four of nine juniors selected for September's World Association of Kickboxing Organisations Championships in Serbia could be forced to stay at home because of the high cost of attending the tournament.

According to club founder and head coach, Dave Maddock, the cost of getting to Belgrade and then staying in the city for the duration of the event is £700 per competitor.

He said: "A few of them are facing the possibility of not being able to go because it is so expensive. They have been selected to represent their country, but the funding just isn't there to send them.

"Teams from other countries across Europe and the world receive the funding to compete at major events. But as a country, we don't get the same backing in the UK and face being left behind unless things change."

The juniors selected to compete in Belgrade are the coach's 17-year-old daughter, Charlie, Tom Gould, aged 15, Dereece Williams, aged 12, Dan Beeston, aged 11, Lorna Greatbach, aged 11, Korben Ward, aged 11, Jordan Withers, aged 10, Josh Withers, aged 16 and Adam Finney, aged 17.

Members work throughout the year to raise cash for the club's fighting fund by doing sponsored runs and packing bags in supermarkets.

The fund usually covers the cost of attending competitions, but Mag Dogs have never had nine members selected for such a prestigious event before and have insufficient cash to pay for them all to go to Belgrade.

Maddock added: "Money has been thrown at some sports with little to show for it. I'm not saying funding should stop for those sports, but we feel we should also get a fair slice of the cake.

"At the end of the day, we are representing the country on a world stage."

Any businesses, groups or individuals who may be able to provide Mad Dogs with funding can call Dave Maddock on 07801 926463.