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The British Judo Association’s
coveted Children’s Coach of the Year prize has gone to Nottingham’s
widely respected veteran Tony Shaw.
The 69-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.
Ryecroft Judo Club’s popular
coach was nominated by Gary Niblett, a club committee member and
parent of a young player.
“My children’s interest
in judo is because of Tony Shaw,” he said.
“I’ve only known him for
the past two years however throughout that time it’s been easy
to see why he is such a well loved and respected coach. You can
see it not only by the success of the young players he’s taught
but by the manner he coaches, with a professional, respectful
but fun element ensuring the best results from all the children
regardless of their ability.”
Shaw, who’s given the leading
Midlands outfit nearly 40 years of service, has been the cornerstone
of the East Midlands High Performance Centre’s children’s coaching
setup during that time.
As with many judo devotees
Shaw holds a multitude of roles at his club, being coach and chairman
as well a 2nd Dan.
“Tony continues to nurture
and encourage young novices as well as actively training and supporting
recreational players and more competitive competition players.
“The success and achievements
of Rycroft’s young players and their continued maturation into
senior players is a true testament and reflection of Tony’s dedication
and coaching competence.”
Shaw participates in
activities beyond his call of duty, helping direct the club’s
development in a child safe manner by his contribution in incorporating
all the safeguard and welfare requirements that are dictacted
by present day child participant sports.
“I’m sure through all the year’s of
Tony’s involvement in judo he has seen many changes in the sport
and the legislation which surrounds it. With my children and other
people he still maintains an infectious enthusiasm for the sport,
actively wanting all children to share his own love and enjoyment
of judo.
“One example of Tony’s silent, understated
but extraordinary dedication to his junior classes was shown within
my children’s first year at the club. Whilst obviously uncomfortable
and convalescing from a replacement hip operation Tony continued
top open, coach and maintain the club’s junior classes as he showed
a true selfless commitment to Reycroft’s young players.”
Shaw’s nominator believes
he would have been well placed for a host of the awards categories.
“Although I feel Tony Shaw
would have been a strong candidate for many awards I know from
experience that introducing, developing and promoting judo to
young people, whether they be potential champions or just enjoying
the sport that is his true passion.”
Ryecroft Judokwai train
at Beeston Community Centre, Nottingham, NG9 1GL. Men and women
train on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 20:30 – 22:00. Boys and
girls train on the same days at 19:00 – 20:30.
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