The JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards are our National Awards programme recognising the hard work and dedication of the Judo workforce in Scotland. We look forward to visiting the clubs of each of our 2024 winners!

Community Coach of The Year: Stephanie Roulston- West Calder Judo Club

Stephanie has been awarded Community Coach of the Year for her remarkable dedication and commitment to West Calder Judo Club. When the club faced closure due to a sudden leadership change, Stephanie stepped up without hesitation, despite having no prior coaching experience. Balancing the demands of her new role with caring for a young baby and overcoming health challenges, she pursued coaching qualifications and enhanced her skills through technical courses and kata training. Her selflessness and passion for judo have been key in keeping the club afloat, her can do attitude has inspired several members of the judo community across the country and is a deserving winner of Community Coach of the Year.

Disability Coach of The Year: Chris Nicol – Tams Brig Judo Club

Chris has been an inspirational figurehead to all judoka he coaches at Tams Brig Judo Club. Taking it upon himself to organise and deliver summer camps, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to his community. Chris is a level 1 coach and takes junior and senior classes where he is praised for consistently delivering high-quality lessons. He has raised awareness and understanding of sensory impairments and shows what can be achieved in local sports clubs by pushing boundaries. He also tailor makes sessions for children who have disabilities including team building activities that fully engage all students. Chris is described as consistent, determined, and someone who doesn’t let his disabilities define him. His passion for judo and his students is evident, and he gives 100% to every session.

Pathway Coach of The Year: David Reilly – Danderhall Judo Club

David has been instrumental across not one but three clubs in Scotland: Danderhall, Destination and Whitburn. His judoka have won British, Scottish, English, Welsh and Irish titles in the last 12 months and if three clubs wasn’t enough, he also can be often found at our Ratho training centre working with pre-cadets and cadets at their Talent Development Sessions. David has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity within the Talent Development squad, his approach has not only improved the experience of  judoka but also creates an environment where all members feel valued. His unwavering commitment to developing young Scottish judoka makes him a deserving winner for Pathway Coach of the Year.

Volunteer of The Year: Gordon Brawley – Irvine Judo Club

Gordon was one of the founding owners of Irvine Judo in 2010 and has been instrumental in the club’s growth ever since. Starting in a small community hall with no more than 25 members, alongside his brother William and friend David Frew, the club grew and Gordon led the move to the Parterre Hall in Central Irvine, where the club continues to flourish. His commitment to judo goes beyond coaching – he has voluntarily dedicated countless hours to the club, mentoring six senior players through their Level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications. Under his guidance, over 500 children and adults have progressed in their judo journey, achieving black belts and competing for various regional, national, and European titles. He balances performance and community by opening the club’s doors to young refugees, hosted donation drives for local care homes, and established specialised classes, including girls-only and inclusive sessions.

Referee/ Official of The Year: Audrey Pirie – Elgin Judo Club

Audrey has been an inspiration to many judo players at Elgin Judo Club, motivating them to explore officiating as a way to stay involved in the sport. She devotes much of her free time to refereeing at competitions across the UK, demonstrating her commitment to the development of judo. She has inspired several younger players at Elgin Judo Club to start refereeing at local events and festivals. During competition randori sessions, she not only teaches the rules but also highlights the many ways to contribute to judo beyond competing.

Young Coach of The Year: Steven Allan – Castle Douglas Judo Club

After joining JudoScotland’s Senpai programme, Steven completed several qualifications and initiated a project to further develop Castle Douglas’ adaptive judo class. Steven now leads this class with the support of the head coach, creating a strong connection with both players and their parents. His ability to create fun, engaging sessions for all abilities extends across the entire club, not just the adaptive class. His dedication has been instrumental in his brother Sean Allan’s success in adaptive judo, playing a key role as both a coach and training partner. Under Steven’s guidance, Sean won gold at the Special Olympics last year and again at a European Judo Union event this year. In addition to his coaching, Steven is studying sports and fitness at a local college to further enhance his skills.

Young  Volunteer of the Year: Daniel Fiddes – Hamilton Judo Club

Daniel has been a dedicated member of Hamilton Judo Club for six years, despite living with the sight loss condition nystagmus. As a volunteer at the club’s Disability and ASN sessions, Daniel uses the skills he learns in mainstream judo classes to assist the lead coach and support 30 juniors and 15 adults. His quiet and caring nature has made him a favourite with the children, who eagerly look forward to Thursday evening sessions.

Daniel is deeply committed to expanding his knowledge of working with children with disabilities. He has completed courses such as JudoScotland’s “Autistic Sports Acceptance Session” and “Coaching a Visually Impaired Athlete,” as well as several Scottish Disability Sport modules. Beyond the club, Daniel has volunteered with Disability Development Officer Stephen Somerville and participated in RNIB’s Come and Try day, even making an appearance on RNIB and BBC Scotland to promote his work in judo.

Club of the year: Invergordon Judo Club

Invergordon Judo Club has earned recognition as a true community hub, going above and beyond to support its members and making it a well-deserved winner for Club of the Year. Parents and players alike have praised the coaches for their patience, engagement, and ability to make training enjoyable for all ages by offering a perfect balance of fun and disciplined training. The club has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to the passion and dedication of both the coaching staff and committee. Invergordon Judo actively engage with the community, offering demonstrations and hosting a free annual festival. Their inclusive, welcoming atmosphere draws members from both near and far and is a well deserving winner of Club of the Year.

Lifetime Contribution: Frazer McBeath

Frazer has officiated at every level of JudoScotland events, from helping young judoka take their first steps onto the mat at Keizoku to refereeing at our flagship event, the Scottish Open. In addition to his refereeing, Frazer is a devoted coach at Alness Judo Club, where he has guided and inspired generations of judoka. His passion, commitment, and expertise have made a lasting impact on both his club and the wider Scottish judo community, making Frazer a well deserving winner of the Lifetime Contribution award.

Young Technical Official of The Year: Leah Baillie – Just Judo

Described as a “delight to have on the team,” Leah has made an outstanding impression within the JudoScotland Referee and Official workforce. Beginning her journey as a volunteer timekeeper at club events, Leah has steadily advanced through her officiating journey, participating in various JudoScotland events. After completing her contest recorder course in May, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to her development as a technical official. We look forward to seeing Leah continue her journey and become a senior recorder.