Amy Strachan, from Tam’s Brig Judo Club has been honoured with JudoScotland’s Young Person of the Year Award. This prestigious award is part of the JudoScotland Community Awards, a national initiative that recognises the hard work and commitment of judo volunteers across Scotland.
For Amy, judo has always been a family affair. Her grandad, Charlie, runs Tam’s Brig Judo Club, and her dad is a regular on the mat. Having first stepped onto the tatami at just four years old, Amy has grown up surrounded by the sport.
“I basically started judo here when I was about four or five. I got my first judo suit for Christmas and ended up pretty much getting flung on the mat and I was told you’re going to try this see how it is and I’ve stuck with it. I’ve been here ever since.”
When Amy started university, she discovered a new side to the sport she’s always loved. Studying Sport and Physical Activity, she joined the university’s judo club after spotting their stall at the sports fair and it reignited her competitive spirit.
“Next year I’m hoping to get out and compete a bit more and not just be training. I’ve done the student open with them this year and it’s really helped me get back into competition.”
While she’s rediscovered her love for competing, Amy’s real passion lies in coaching. What started as a volunteering opportunity for her Duke of Edinburgh Award quickly turned into something much more meaningful.
“Through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, you’re allowed to do volunteering, so I thought I could help out with the younger group at the club. The Duke of Edinburgh award actually got cancelled but I was enjoying volunteering, so I ended up staying on and then eventually got moved up into the middle class because they were struggling for coaches. I started with them and then it’s kind of just stuck and we’ve just got used to each other now, so I think they’ve stuck with me.”
Amy’s coaching at Tam’s Brig goes far beyond teaching techniques, she instils the core values of judo, from respect and courage to friendship and self-control. As a Level 1 coach, she combines technical skill with genuine encouragement, creating a positive environment where young judoka can grow not just in judo, but in confidence, character, and teamwork. Receiving the Young Person of the Year Award was a huge moment for Amy, one that she admits still feels a bit surreal.
“Being able to say that I’ve achieved this is just amazing. I hope it also shows that coaching the kids really does make a difference and that they’ll take away something meaningful from it.”
Amy was presented her award at Tam’s Brig Judo Club by JudoScotland Club Support Officer, Sam Ingram, on Thursday 16th October.
