|
The Preparation for Performance
initiative was rolled out in the Midlands on Saturday 15 January
as the regions first block took place at the University of Wolverhampton’s
Walsall Campus.
The initiative is part
of the British Judo Association’s Widening the Market youth project
and is designed to prepare young judoka to enter the England programme
both technically and physically.
The session, which was
open to young players with a minimum 5th mon grade, was led by
British Judo’s Technical Officers Steve Gawthorpe and Joyce Heron
who took 79 young players through technical drills, gymnastics
and circuit training.
Former world champion
Craig Fallon and Gavin Davies, a former three-time British Champion,
also assisted and were a highly-popular presence among the young
judoka.
During the day players,
parents and coaches were given presentations on course content
and England benchmarks.
Steve Gawthorpe said:
“There was a good level of talent on show and it’s important that
we stage such sessions to help young judoka to move onto the next
level.
“We want to bridge any
gaps in development and ensure they’re as prepared as possible
to advance and flourish as they grow and develop technically.”
Joyce Heron, who’s also
British Judo’s Widening the Market Manager, said: “We were really
pleased with how the first block session was received and there’s
a lot of enthusiasm for the initiative,”
On
Sunday, North East Technical Officer Chloe Cowen ran the same
course in Newburn which saw 24 young judoka take part.
Meanwhile British Judo’s
East Technical Officer Dave Southby ran a successful Judo Gymnastics
course as part of the Judo Fitness Award at Clacton-on-Sea Judo
Club with gymnastics coach Lisa Houston, a Coventry Judo Club
parent and welfare officer, leading the session.
There were over 20 coaches
in attendance as the Widening the Market programme continues to
form a strong platform to attract and nurture people in the sport.
The coaches were supported
by young players from their respective clubs, as this section
of the course encourages their involvement to help them work on
movement patterns.
|