Rothwell Judo Club, from West Yorkshire, is the first British Judo Trust £1000 raffle prize winner.

The raffle initiative has been introduced to raise money for the British Judo Trust and to increase club involvement with the Charity.

The draw, which took place on Friday 28th November 2008 at 11am in Loughborough, was drawn by Leo Trench, Long Term Player Pathway Development Officer for England Volleyball. Before making the draw he said, “It is a great opportunity to be involved in this fantastic British Judo Trust initiative. I hope the club that wins makes the best of the £1000!”

Over 35 clubs took part in this first raffle, with a monthly £10 entry fee, and all were in with a chance to win the £1000 prize money.

Mark Bennett, Rothwell Club Secretary said, “I’m so pleased. This will help towards the refurbishment of our new club.  The club thought the raffle was a great idea, something they could easily be involved in, and felt like their money was going directly back into the development of the sport and associated clubs. 

“We will now enter the raffle on a direct debit basis, so we don’t miss out any months”.

Colin Draycott, the Patron of the British Judo Trust said, “I am absolutely delighted that so many clubs have come together for this first British Judo Raffle. Congratulations to Rothwell Judo Club in winning the £1000. Time now to get ready for the December draw!”

If you would like your club to be involved in the December raffle and be in with a chance of winning £1000, please send £10 into the British Judo Association head office, or contact Emma Davies on 01509631693 / emmadavies@britishjudo.org.uk . Direct Debit payment will start in January.

Rothwell Judo Club were drawn in the first raffle by Leo Trench of England Volleyball