Community Awards
From your club parent helper, to an area referee, right up to performance coaches; volunteers, officials and coaches are the lifeblood of our sport, without whom our sport would look very different. The JudoScotland Community Awards are our way of showing our thanks and appreciation for their continued hard work.
Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are now closed!
The Community Awards celebrate the incredible efforts of the judo community. Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards have now closed; the winners will be announced in November 2026.
This year’s award categories are:
Club of the Year
Awarded to a club that makes a significant positive impact in its community through the delivery, organisation, and development of judo. The award also recognises a club’s commitment to promoting the core values of judo and supporting the aims of JudoScotland.
Club Coach of the Year
Celebrates a coach who has made a remarkable impact by fostering the development of judoka, expanding access to judo opportunities, and significantly increasing participation within their club or community.
Disability Coach of the Year
Recognises an outstanding coach working with people with disabilities. This coach actively removes barriers to participation, provides inclusive opportunities, and delivers sessions tailored to individual needs, helping participants develop skills, confidence, resilience, and a positive attitude towards sport and physical activity.
Player Development Coach of the Year
Presented to a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to the long-term development of athletes in line with the JudoScotland Player Development Framework.
Volunteer of the Year
Recognises a volunteer in a non-coaching role who has made an exceptional contribution to their club and the wider judo community through their dedication and support.
Technical Official/Referee of the Year
Awarded to a Technical Official or Referee who has made a significant contribution to the sport through their hard work, dedication, and high standards of performance both on and off the mat.
Young Person of the Year
Recognises an outstanding young person aged 16-24 who goes above and beyond to be a positive role model and ambassador for the judo community.
Humble Warrior
Awarded to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the development of judo over the past year, with a particular focus on community impact and educational leadership.
The 2025 JudoScotland Award Winners
Club of the Year – Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion
Club Coach of the Year – Gary Muirhead (Cluarankwai Judo Club)
Disability Coach of the Year – Antony Martin (Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion)
Player Development Coach of the Year – Claire Shiach (ProJudo)
Referee/Technical Official of the Year – Kirsty McNealis (Judo Club Esprit)
Volunteer of the Year – Simone Hamil (Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion)
Young Person of the Year – Amy Strachan (Tams Brig Judo Club)
George Kerr (10th Dan) Lifetime Contribution Award – Peter Gardiner (Sportif)
Clubs
JudoScotland values the hard work of our member clubs without whom we wouldn’t be able to develop Judo in Scotland.
Members
We want to make judo accessible to whoever wants to take part, as a JudoScotland member you will have access to a variety of benefits.
Coaches
Coaches are at the front line of judo and are an integral part of clubs. We provide continuous professional development for coaches already on the pathway.
"If there is effort, there is always accomplishment."
Jigoro Kano