A novice martial artist student is the first to get a kick out of Queens Cross Housing Association’s new £10,000 Community Chest fund.

Tia Warren, 13, from Westercommon used her £150 grant to buy equipment to enable her to progress her hobby of Muay Thai.

Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand that uses hands, feet and knees along with various clinching techniques. Tai takes classes at the Grip House Gym on Possil Road.

The new fund set up in partnership with Queens Cross Workspace, gives young people and their families access to small grants that can be used to improve the quality of life for the young person or to help create better life opportunities. This might include equipment for an event or activity, club fees, education or skills development, clothes for a job interview or sport.

The fund was set up in response to findings in the association’s latest tenants’ survey that showed poverty was still a real issue for many families living in the Queens Cross area.

“I’m interested in Muay Thai as a way of building my confidence and keeping fit, this new kit will really help me progress,” said Tia.

“I think this fund is great idea we could never have afforded this kit without it. I think it is really opening up new opportunities for Tia to pursue something she otherwise might not have,” said Tia’s mum, Leanne Miller.

The Community Chest fund is run by the Garscube Community Foundation and is open to anyone under 25 who lives in the Queens Cross area. Phone 0141 589 7428 or visit qcha.org.uk to apply.