Wolverhampton Judo Club get cash boost from councillors

Wolverhampton Judo Club, which has its premises at the bottom of Duke Street close to Wednesfield Park, was formed in 1966 and ranks as one of the UK’s premier judo clubs.

Over the years, the club – which is a registered charity run by volunteers – has regularly achieved success at a national and international level, with members who have won medals in both the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

Wednesfield South Councillor Andy Randle, who supported the club with a donation of ward funds last year, has now teamed up with Penn councillors Steph Haynes and Paul Singh to donate a further £500 towards equipment for the premises.

Councillor Randle said: “Wolverhampton Judo Club is one of the most successful of its kind in the country and really deserves our backing. Having been fortunate enough to be able to support them last year, I am delighted that I and two of my Conservative colleagues are able to give the club a further helping hand once again.”

A spokesman for the club said: “We have a permanent mat area and provide sessions for all participants, both male and female, from the age of five upwards. All our coaches are experienced competitors and have been DBS checked, hold HSE first aid certificates, attend child protection and long-term development courses and also hold a BJA coaching award.

“The club caters for visitors of all abilities, whether able-bodied or a person with special needs, through to someone who simply wishes to just enjoy a recreational sport. Or if you aspire to be one of the more serious players who wants to compete in local, national or international competitions, then Wolverhampton Judo Club is there for you.”

New members are welcome to come along to the club for a trial session.

Anyone interested should contact club organisers and senior members Kevin O’Reilly (5th Dan) on 07818 094821 or Bill Kelly (5th Dan) on 07831 498134.

The clubs website is at wolverhampton-judo-club.org.uk