On Saturday March 12 Erne Wrestling’s Charlotte McGuigan took to the mat at the English Junior Wrestling Competition in Castle Leisure Centre, Bury, Manchester.

The competition was fierce with more female competitors than ever before.

Weighing in at 50.4kg there was no one within Charlotte’s age and weight bracket to compete with so Charlotte moved to the U20’s 51.4kg category were match time is increased to six minutes.

Charlotte’s matches were tough. During her first match with Senior British Gold Winner TJ Baker (Carrick Barbarians and Northern Ireland Squad) the 17 year old took a knee injury. However, Charlotte battled on narrowly missing silver due to a foot slip while in the process of attempting to control her opponent during a pin. Charlotte brings a bronze medal back to Fermanagh.

Erne Head coach Bruce Irwin and NI Head Coach Stuart Baker supported Charlotte from the coach’s corner at the event. It was notable of the improvement in Charlotte’s defensive manoeuvres and strategies during her matches. She looks forward to returning next year to English Juniors to build upon this year’s success.

Unfortunately, Charlotte did not get the chance to referee in the afternoon wrestling session as had been anticipated due to the match positions and injury. Charlotte did get the opportunity to head the coaching corner for a fellow Northern Ireland Wrestler Rebecca Maxwell during her match, something Charlotte was extremely excited about and proud off.

Next month Charlotte will return to Manchester for a United World Wrestling (UWW) Course and workshop after securing a fully funded placement from the British Wrestling Association (BWA). Following that she will be attending the British Junior Wrestling Competition in May as a referee.

Between now and then Charlotte can be found coaching on Monday and Thursday nights in Irvinestown, under the guidance of Head Coach Bruce Irwin as the team get ready for the Dublin Open Wrestling Competition in April and the British Juniors in May.