The British Judo Association’s much sought after Development Coach of the Year prize has gone to Enfield Judo Club founder George Hyslop.

The 64-year-old will receive the award at the National Governing Body’s Volunteer Awards Dinner on Saturday 2 October at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham.

George first began taking his son to the judo club at Picketts Lock which was a junior grassroots club. When one of the coaches passed George become more involved but the club ultimately folded which led the Londoner to open up Enfield Judo Club in 1993.

The highly thought of 2nd Dan was nominated for the award by British Judo’s London Development Manager Karen French who said: “George was determined to develop judo in Enfield and took it upon himself to start a new club which would offer opportunities for all ages and abilities.

“George, who was once a member of the Judokan and Budokwai outfits, has had to relocate the Enfield club to various venues over the years but has never closed the club.”

His commitment, dedication, development and passion for judo has seen the club grow from strength to strength over the years.

The club’s progress and well-received delivery of judo saw them receive an approach from the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, British Judo Association and the Youth Sports Trust to work with the programme’s partners to take judo to the community by linking with a Premiership club.

“Premier League 4 Sport is a £3.85million national initiative which helps the Government’s ambition to offer young people five hours of sport a week, as part of its 2012 legacy plans,” said Karen.

“George has since established four new Premier League 4 Sport satellite clubs in England at Turin Grove, Eldon, Galliard and Edmonton County Schools which will act as feeder clubs to Enfield Judo Club. These new satellites have been running successfully, introducing young people to judo, a sport many children have never done before.

Cathy Carr, Sports Development Manager for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: “George has been very pro active and dedicated to ensuring the Premier League 4 Sport project is a success and has been a pleasure to work with.

“He is a great character, very inspiring and good fun and always looks at the positives. I look forward to developing the programme further across Enfield and working with George in the future.”

The club supports developmental and elite players with over 70 members competing at local, national and international level. Over eight youngsters are now international players and one of the most notable talents to emerge from the club is under52kg star and 2010 British Open bronze medallist Siobhan O’Neil.

“George has been a big part of my judo life and has not only been a fantastic coach but he has also supported and developed me as a person,” said O’Neil who joined the club in 1998.

“He provided a pathway for me to not only compete in judo at a high level but opened doors for me to gain my coaching certificates and getting involved in grassroots coaching with young people which is something I love. George is more than deserving of this special award and I would like to say a big thank you to him for all that he has done, not only for me but for judo in Enfield.”

The British Judo Association is the National Governing Body for the Olympic Sport of judo in Great Britain.