The two-time Irish League winner with Linfield plans to step into the ring

FORMER Linfield star Ian Young is considering quitting Irish League football to take up a career in kickboxing.

The 28-year-old admits to being “frustrated” with the local game after a rib injury forced him out of action for most of last season.
The two-time Irish League winner with the Blues is planning to step into the ring later this year after renewing his passion for the sport.

“While I was under contract at Linfield I wasn’t allowed to train or compete in kickboxing and missed the sport for almost five years. It was understandable that a club like Linfield would not permit me to fight but nowadays I am looking for a new challenge and I may quit the game altogether,” said the Carrick Rangers player.
“I am still under contract but I feel I am at a crossroads in football. I don’t feel I am getting anything out of it anymore.”

Young burst onto the Irish League scene as a budding 17-year-old talent among the legendary Crusaders squad of the mid-90s. He enjoyed spells playing in New Zealand and Singapore before returning home to join Linfield.

Recently Young, who is currently being tracked by Bangor, linked up with the ProKick Gym in east-Belfast to revive his love affair with kickboxing.
“I really missed kickboxing when I was at Linfield,” he added.
“I always intended to go back and now that I considering my future in football, it’s good to have a new challenge at the same time. I am the type of person who needs to be competing with a goal of winning something.
“I still feel I could do a job for one of the top teams in the Premier League but if no-one comes knocking on my door, it would be good to have a focus outside the game. Over the next few weeks I will make a decision. I will be sparring and getting a taste for fighting and if things go well, I would love the challenge of competing full-time. I don’t think I would miss football if kickboxing was providing aims for me.”

Young’s coach, former four-time world champ Billy Murray, believes the Co Down man has a big future in kickboxing.
“It was easy to see when Ian came to my gym that he had good coaching in the past. He’s back on the bike, so to speak, and he hasn’t forgotten how to ride it.
“Ian has always been a winner in football and the drive and ambition he has will help him on the road to kickboxing success.”

If there are any other kick or boxers who don't think they are fulfilling their potential for whatever reasons just call the Prokick hotline on 028 9065 1074 - And if you just want to learn more about what kickboxing has to offer then drop us a line

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