St Albans Judo Club received Clubmark status from Sport England for the services it offers young people

St Albans Judo Club has been awarded a Clubmark status for the services it offers for young people.

The club was presented with the award from Sport England by the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Cllr Chris Oxley, at the club’s permanent dojo in the city.

The award was presented to the club chairman, Dr. Rodney Day, at a special club session to mark the occasion.

Introduced in 2002, the Clubmark* award recognises clubs which have developed high quality and welcoming environments for young people. It aims to encourage clubs to foster sporting talent and leadership development to support the future sporting infrastructure in England.

The Mayor, Cllr Oxley, commented: “I congratulate the club on receiving the Clubmark award. It is believed to be one of the first to be awarded in Hertfordshire and recognises the quality of management, levels of coaching, the safe environment for children, and the programme. I thank all the volunteers, the committee, the coaches, and the support staff for all the time they spend helping young people.”

Club chairman Dr Day added: “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of everybody at St Albans Judo Club. The Clubmark award epitomizes the dedication and commitment of everyone at the club, and the safe and friendly environment that we maintain.”

Founded in 1950 and celebrating its Diamond Jubilee in 2010, St Albans Judo Club has several sessions per evening, five days a week, providing coaching for all levels for anyone aged six years and over. In addition to this, the club holds special events at weekends. St Albans Judo Club currently has over 200 active members aged between six and 79 and 20 helpers. The club also welcomes those with disabilities.