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Lewes Bridgeview Judo Club
founder and coach Dave Fielding is retiring after 20 years at
the helm of the East Sussex club.
Dave’s daughter Becky,
25, herself a 1st Dan, is leading the tributes to her father’s
years of service to the sport by arranging an anniversary celebration.
Becky is calling on players, friends, families, ex-players and
club supporters to turn out on Saturday 21 August as The Malling
Community Centre hosts a BBQ and disco.
“My dad formed the club
20 years ago and has been running it almost single-handedly ever
since,” she said.
“After forming in 1990
the club quickly grew in numbers which was greatly influenced
by its extremely friendly, family-orientated and social nature.
“The club has always been
a non-profit organisation, keeping mat fees and membership to
a minimum and my dad has always coached for free.”
Becky has fond memories
of the club’s early boom period and regional success.
“My dad always believed
in supporting the two biggest competitions in Sussex, the Trials
and the Team Championships. The Sussex Trials were traditionally
to select squads for the Inter-County Team Championships which
was a competition held between Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire.
“Every year we would enter
as many judoka as possible and I have very happy memories of the
amazing atmosphere of our club ‘team’ which won the club of the
tournament trophy several years running.
“He also set up after-school clubs
in several schools and became Sussex coach for the British Judo
Association which again was a voluntary position. Bridgeview has
also produced many top-class judo players including Sophie Johnstone
and fellow national squad member Taylor Bell."
The East Sussex Club has
also established a firm link with a French club on the outskirts
of Paris which has seen players and club officials make an annual
trip to France.
“The first exchange trip
was a big success with judo sessions and social gatherings seeing
the annual event become a real highlight of the club’s calendar.
We haven’t been over for a couple of years but some of our French
friends will be visiting us this summer.”
Becky believes the club’s
longevity is down to its warm and inviting environment.
“I strongly believe that
the success of the club is due to its friendly, social nature
and my dad’s coaching style.”
Great Britain star Sophie
Johnstone, 25, started her career at Lewes Bridgeview Judo Club.
“I train at Camberley Judo
Club now but I still have very strong ties with Lewes,” she said.
“I started there when I
was eight and I’m still good friends with a lot of players I trained
there with. Dave is an excellent coach and had a big input in
my career. I have very fond memories of my time at the club,
and would like to wish Dave all the best for the future .”
For more information and
to make a contribution to the event contact Becky Fielding on
07772 194387.
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