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The British Judo Association’s
coveted Performance Development Coach of the Year prize has gone
to Terminus Judo Club’s John Tierney.
The 41-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.
Terminus’ highly-regarded
coach, who’s led sessions at the club for over 10 years, was nominated
by BJA North East Development Officer Liz Burdis.
“John has worked tirelessly
in the Northern Area for many years,” said Liz.
“He’s coached at Terminus,
his own club, and has often been a guest instructor at the Kodokwai.
During this time John has worked to bring the standard of Kodokwai
and Northern judo in general to an increasingly competitive level.
“As a tremendously respected
coach John has worked with assisted many players from youths and
seniors to master players.”
The Northern coach has
excelled with the area men’s squad and made the most of his limited
time with the region’s top players.
“John has worked well with
the Area Squad Manager to create warm friendly training sessions
in which his inspirational manner and intensity squeeze the most
from his players.
“His sessions at the Kodokwai
are well known for being intense but with a focus on technical
progression and are well worth a visit. This type of session has
encouraged visitors to the area to enquire about the training
both at the club and the area session, thereby increasing participation
levels.”
Liz also highlighted the
coach’s interaction with the players and their appreciation and
admiration for all his efforts.
“The players speak warmly
and defend his manner and style with vigour. He is known for his
sense of humour and is often taking light-hearted quips at his
players. The players can respond to this in the same way but when
John calls on the players to focus then they instantly switch
their attention to him and give their all for him.
“John has many qualities
that make him an outstanding coach. His approach is based upon
hard work and determination, punctuated by his humorous style
but he shows a deep desire to bring to coaching the commitment
he showed as a competitor.
“His development years
spent with Tony McConnell at Kendal are never far from his mind
and the thinking he applies to his mat sessions.”
The club train at Terminus
Social Club, West Percy Street, North Shields, Tyne and Wear,
NEZ9 7JY.
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