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On Wednesday 30th March,
Loughborough University hosted the 2010 Youth Sport Trust Step
into Sport residential camp for young leaders and role models.
The young people attending
the residential camp had been selected from a variety of different
sports and projects from around the UK and had shown exceptional
talent as a young leader and mentor.
British Judo was one of
the 15 disciplines invited to attend the camp to introduce judo
and Volunteering Pathways for young people. The National Governing
Body event dedicated to developing and encouraging the leadership
skills of talented young people played host to Elaine Down, BJA’s
National Volunteer Manager and an International Referee and professional
Judo coach Mick Green, who took on fourteen novices.
Assisting Elaine and Mick
was referee Stefan Newbury and young talent Joe Wathan, who is
on the BJA Cadet Squad. By the end of the day they could throw
the perfect ippon and some of the novices were feeling confident
enough to challenge an experienced player.
The day was split into
three sessions so the young people could really start to appreciate
the different sides to judo from participating in the sport for
fun, to officiating and of course, competing.
They were not only introduced
to the mat, learnt key judo terminology and ideas within judo,
they also got a taster at Sumo Wrestling, which went down a storm
– especially with the girls.
Pleased to see the camp
a success, Francesca Kelly BJA’s Young Officials Development Officer
said, “The young people really flourished on the mat and it was
a delight to see just how much fun they were having and the new
skills they were learning.
“Even though this was the
first time anyone of them had participated in the sport, it was
very noticeable how quickly they understand the fundamentals of
the sport and a few of the young people took it upon themselves
to encourage and support their peers, especially in the mini competition
towards the end of the event – it was amazing how much noise a
small crowd can make screaming and cheering.”
“The young people were
an inspiration and I know I can speak on behalf of all the team
who took in the part in the event when saying it was a pleasure
to work with such fine young people and we wish them all the luck
in the future,” she added.
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