At just six-years-old, Amelia Elms, Florence Jackson and Eden King have already discovered something truly special, not just a love for Taekwondo, but a friendship that has grown far beyond the mats.
The three young athletes, who train together at Ultimate Greater Manchester Taekwondo, are now preparing to take on a new challenge away from the dojang.
On Saturday 30th May, they will run the Mini Greater Manchester Run, raising funds to support their club and continue their journey in the sport they love.
Known affectionately within the club as ‘Daley’s Angels,’ the trio have become inseparable, and wanted to do something to give back to the club that brought them together, as Amelia’s dad Rhys explains:
“Amelia, Eden and Florence had never met before. They go to separate schools. They started off as five-year-olds on their journey in Taekwondo, just to keep them active.
“When they joined Greater Manchester Ultimate Taekwondo, they found a passion straight away for the sport, they love it.
“Now they’re preparing for the Mini Greater Manchester Run because they’re aiming to raise funds to reinvest back into the training — things like private lessons, competition entries, and uniforms.”
Through the lessons run by lead instructor Daley Richardson, that passion has grown alongside their confidence, ability, and understanding of the values at the heart of Taekwondo.
“Under Daley’s guidance, I can see Amelia especially has grown in confidence,” Rhys continues. “With their progress in Taekwondo, all three of them have been competing in competitions.
“Amelia first joined just to keep active, and then she ended up falling in love with the sport. It has built respect in her and she is more confident in herself as well.”
Their development has been impressive. In under two years, the girls have all achieved 6th Kup and are already stepping onto the competition stage, which is testament to both their commitment and the environment they train in.
But their journey is about far more than belts and medals.
“The club has got strong values; respect, discipline… but it’s all within a fun, supportive environment as well, where they’ve been able to build a great friendship.”
That friendship is at the heart of everything they do. Despite coming from different schools and backgrounds, Taekwondo has brought them together — and kept them together.
“The three girls met at Taekwondo and built a great friendship,” Rhys explains. “All the parents at the club started calling them ‘Daley’s Angels’, so that’s where the name came from.”
It’s a nickname that reflects not just their closeness, but the energy and enthusiasm they bring to every session. Whether they’re training, competing, or now preparing for their latest challenge, they do it side by side.
Now, that same determination is being channelled into their fundraising effort. The Mini Greater Manchester Run presents a new kind of challenge, but one they are tackling with the same enthusiasm they show on the mats.
With a target of £500, the girls are not just running for themselves, but for their club; a place that has played a huge role in their development on the mats and as individuals.
Their story is a reminder of what Taekwondo can offer at every level. It’s not just about developing skills, but about building confidence, creating friendships, and fostering a sense of belonging.
If you would like to sponsor ‘Daley’s Angels’ and get involved in their fantastic initiatve, you can contact Rhys Elms on rhyselms0@gmail.com.
Ultimate Greater Manchester Taekwondo are based in Partington, Greater Manchester and are always welcome to new members. Head to their Facebook page to learn more if you would like to train in a fun family, environment.
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