The 26-year-old kick boxer has taken over responsibility for coaching kids aged between six and 16 at Paddy Toland's kick boxing gym near Killea.

Carla, who has been involved with kick boxing since the age of seven, is determined to develop a new breed of fighters from both Derry and Donegal.

"I have always been really interested in getting involved in the coaching side of kick boxing," says Carla. "As soon as Paddy Toland offered me the chance to train the youngsters, I grabbed it with both hands.

“I didn't want to set up my own club because I have too many commitments outside of kick boxing and I wouldn't be able to run it to the best of my ability."

Carla, who is studying sports science at North West Regional College, says that the one difference she notices between coaching and competing is that she is more nervous when coaching.

"I am a bag of nerves when I watch my fighters in the ring. It's strange but I think it's because there is pressure on me as a coach to look after them and I am responsible for what happens to them in the ring."

Carla teaches children's beginners classes and also teaches women's self defence.

"I am really enjoying it so far. I have not had a day that I have been dreading training and I feel that I am learning just as much as the children.

"I find that the children are more enthusiastic about the actual fighting aspect of the sport than they are about the technical side. I also notice that the women I take are not interested in fighting. They are more interested in developing their fitness. The women love it, it's really good stress relief for them."

Carla will take some of PT's up-and-coming fighters to events in England in 2010.

She explained what positives young people can expect if the decide to try out kick boxing.

"Kick boxing taught me respect, discipline and it opened my mind to other cultures and countries. Although it's an expensive sport to get involved in, kick boxing is very rewarding and it teaches you to never take anything for granted."

For further information, contact Patricia at PT'S Gym on Tel: 00353749140835.