News

We are thrilled to share that Loretta Doyle has been shortlisted for the Scottish Women in Sport (SW/S) Inspiration in Sport Award, a recognition that reflects her extraordinary contributions to judo over more than five decades. 

From competing in the first-ever Women’s Judo World Championships in New York in 1980, to playing key roles in global multi-sport events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics, Loretta’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her commitment to the sport continues through the Loretta Doyle Judo Foundation, which supports individuals facing significant challenges, making judo more accessible to all. 

Earlier this year, we sat down with Loretta to celebrate her achievement of being awarded her 9th Dan. During our conversation, she reflected on her personal journey in the sport and her passion for giving back. 

“Judo has always helped me achieve more and feel good about myself… I love judo. I see so many benefits. If everyone did even just two or three months of judo, they would get something out of it. It would make them a better person.” 

“For me, judo has always been about chapters. The first chapter is your own wellbeing and self-worth, discovering what you’re capable of. Then you share that experience, and eventually, you give back.” 

On receiving her 9th Dan at the Paris Grand Slam earlier this year, Loretta reflected;  

“Receiving my 9th Dan from the International Judo Federation is an absolute honour. It’s humbling. It’s not just about your achievements as a competitor, it’s about what you give back, how you develop yourself and others through the sport. I was a world champion for a year. I’m a 9th Dan for life. That belt tells the story, it earns respect and reflects over 52 years of service to the sport.” 

Loretta’s passion for inclusion and opportunity led her to establish the Loretta Doyle Judo Foundation, which works with refugees, children with disabilities, older adults, and others who may face barriers to participation. 

“I’ve always wanted to give back. I wanted everyone to have the same opportunities I had. That’s why I started the Foundation, to remove barriers and make judo accessible to all. Judo is more than a sport, it’s a tool for social change, confidence, and community.” 

Loretta Doyle’s nomination for the SW/S Inspiration in Sport Award is a testament to her lifelong dedication to judo and her unwavering commitment to empowering others through the sport. 

The Scottish Women in Sport Awards will take place on Friday 21st November 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. 

JudoScotland is proud to celebrate the achievements of Lois Goldie, who has been shortlisted for the Scottish Women in Sport (SW/S) Young Sportswoman of the Year Award. 

The SW/S Awards recognise not only the success of female athletes across Scotland, but also the contributions of volunteers, coaches, pioneers, and others who make a lasting impact on women in sport.  

At just 14 years old, Lois has already emerged as one of Scotland’s most promising young athletes. Competing at the under-15 level, she has earned selection to represent her country on the international stage, delivering outstanding performances that mark her as a rising star in Scottish sport. 

Lois Goldie delivered an exceptional season in judo, claiming titles as a Scottish Champion, British Champion, Commonwealth Judo Championship Gold Medalist, Luxembourg International Gold Medalist, and Lithuania Alytus Open Bronze Medalist. 

Each result showcases her ability to compete and succeed at the highest level, both domestically and internationally, while proudly representing Scotland against some of Europe’s strongest young athletes. 

Beyond her personal achievements, Lois is a natural role model within her judo and wrestling clubs. She regularly supports younger athletes, helping them develop their skills and confidence. Her kindness, leadership, and encouragement have created a positive and inclusive environment, and she is widely admired by her peers and coaches alike. 

Inspired by Scottish Commonwealth medalists Connie Ramsay and Rachel Tytler, Lois is forging her own path on the international stage. Born in 2011, she exemplifies the qualities of a junior athlete who has achieved excellence, represented her country with distinction, and continues to inspire those around her. 

We wish Lois the very best at the SW/S Awards and look forward to seeing her continued success in the years ahead. The Scottish Women in Sport Awards will take place on Friday 21st November 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. 

A brief update from the JudoScotland Chair Marc Preston on activity in October.

The month started with Highland Budokan hosting the Grand Prix event on 4^th October in Inverness.   Despite Storm Amy, the event ran smoothly and I’d like to praise everyone involved for their co-operation and support!

On 14^th October I visited Pro Judo in their city centre facility.   I was very impressed and it’s always wonderful to see permanent, dojo facilities.

Myself and Judith were delighted to present Claire Shiach, of Pro Judo, with the Player Development Coach of the year award in recognition of an outstanding contribution to long-term athlete development aligned with the JudoScotland Player Development Framework.   It was an honour that Claire was delighted to receive, in front of judoka, fellow coaches and parents in her own club environment.  I’ve known Claire for a long time, since we were youngsters.  We were both part of the team that went  to the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand in 1990, where Claire took the Silver medal for Scotland. She was an exceptional competitor who won many international medals during that period where GB had an abundance of world class/world medallist female judokas.

British Judo’s Board of Directors meeting in London clashed with a holiday I had arranged with my family. I’d like to thank our Board Director Jodie Cox for stepping in and representing JudoScotland as the Home Nation representative at the Board Meeting.  She enjoyed the experience which she noted was ‘very informative’ and provided a substantial report back as we work to ensure strong collaboration and robust processes.

On 28^th October we had our monthly JudoScotland board meeting to which we invited our President and Vice-Presidents to attend.  It was a highly productive session with a number of topics for discussion and decision. I would like to congratulate Sandy Hodge, who has now taken on the role of Vice Chair for JudoScotland as supported by his fellow Board Directors.  Sandy has a wealth of experience and knowledge within judo due to his previous involvement as sportscotland Partnership Manager and laterally as an Independent Director. Sandy has recently been leading a project to create clear Board portfolios to enhance our strategic monitoring. I look forward to working with Sandy in this coming year as we aim to achieve the ambitious goals that we have set.

Winning Students 100, Scotland’s national sport scholarship programme, has announced its 2025-26 cohort, marking a record-breaking year for applications and reaffirming its status as a world-leading dual-career programme.

This year’s intake will see 106 student athletes supported as they pursue excellence in both sport and academia. Spanning 31 sports and 18 further and higher education institutions, this year’s in-take of athletes represent the brightest of young sporting talent based in Scotland. We are pleased to share that six Scottish Judoka will be beneficiaries: Eden Heffernan (University of Edinburgh), Sophie Wood (Edinburgh Napier University), Sunny Doig (Heriot-Watt University), Eva Ewing (City of Glasgow College) and Kirsten Taylor (Perth College UHI).

Since its launch in 2008, Winning Students 100 – formerly Winning Students – has become a vital support system and talent pipeline within Scottish sport, supporting over 1,700 student athletes to help them reach the pinnacle of their respective disciplines while gaining an academic qualification and forging the start of a successful career path.

The scholarship is funded by sportscotland, the Scottish Funding Council and Scotland’s higher education and further education sector and managed by Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, the University of Stirling.

Cathy Gallagher, Chair, Winning Students 100 Advisory Board said: “Winning Students 100 is a bold and forward-thinking investment in the future of Scottish sport and education. The programme positions Scotland as a true pioneer, delivering a comprehensive support system that empowers athletes to achieve their full potential.

“The programme is about cultivating well-rounded leaders who are prepared for success in all aspects of their life. This year’s record-breaking applications highlight the programme’s reputation as a world leader in dual-career support, and we are proud to champion these exceptional individuals.

“As we look ahead to the coming year, we are filled with hope and excitement for what this cohort will achieve. Whether it’s excelling in their academic studies, breaking records in their chosen sports, or representing their nations on the world stage, these students embody the very best of what this programme stands for.

“This dual focus on academic and sporting excellence has made Winning Students 100 a powerful platform for success. By working closely with sportscotland, the Scottish Funding Council, partner institutions, and national governing bodies, we ensure that the programme continues to deliver value to students, parents, institutions, and funders alike. Together, we are shaping the future of Scottish sport and education.”

Kirsty McNealis from Judo Club Esprit has been honoured with JudoScotland’s Technical Official/Referee 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.   

In a sport where accolades often go to those who step onto the mat, Kirsty McNealis stands out for a different reason. Despite never taken part in judo herself, Kirsty has become a cornerstone of the Scottish judo community through her tireless work as a Technical Official and as a club volunteer at Judo Club Esprit.  

Her journey began not with a personal passion for the sport, but through her son Dominic; “I’ve never stepped on the mat.  Dominic, my son, was competing and I got encouraged to become a table official. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing but the training was very simple.” 

What started as a tentative step, quickly grew into a full-fledged commitment. From learning the ropes of timekeeping and contest recording to working her way up to senior recorder, Kirsty’s dedication has been unwavering. Even after Dominic stepped away from judo following a motorbike accident, Kirsty continued to volunteer, driven by a newfound passion and the support of the judo community. 

“I was quite happy being that mum, sitting in the stands watching,” she reflects. “I never thought I’d be this involved. But it’s the people, they’ve all supported me. It’s like a family.” 

“I just do my best. I help if I can. I’m there for people. And the last thing new recruits need is somebody going, you’ve done that wrong, so I don’t.” she added “It’s not a role I thought I’d ever be doing, but I absolutely love it. I absolutely love it. 

On receiving her award Kirsty humbly shared, “I’m a wee bit shocked because I don’t think I need an award. I don’t do it for that. I do it because I enjoy what I do.”

Kirsty was presented her award at Judo Club Esprit, the club she credits with shaping her judo journey, by JudoScotland Board Director Mark Brien on Monday 20th October. 

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. 

Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion has been honoured with JudoScotland’s Club 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.   

The club originated in 2019 to provide tailored ASN and disability sessions for their members alongside the mainstream sessions held at Hamilton Judo Club.  

Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion have since provided sessions to over 6o individuals each week to benefit from both the mental and physical benefits of judo. Their dedicated coaches’ encourage participants to the Junior and Senior sessions whilst parents and carers are welcomed into a breakout area next door.  

The club has provided more than judo for its members, they have created a community for parents and carers to connect and share their experiences. Often helped with some tea and home baking, the club has built a community of support and understanding for everyone who walks through the door.  

Working in partnership with JudoScotland’s Judo Girls Rise initiative they created weekly Female-only sessions to help provide a safe and nurturing environment where women and girls can develop their judo skills whether they are complete novices or seasoned judoka. As the classes have continued to grow Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion have encouraged two of their female volunteers onto the coaching pathway and they have both recently achieved their Level 1 coaching qualification, creating more opportunities for participation within the club.  

In 2024 the club created their Inclusion Development Programme, which runs twice a week at Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre, targeting individuals in the community who most often find barriers to sports participation. The programme runs in partnership with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Active Schools and South Lanarkshire Disability Sport 

John D’Ambrosio, Head of Coaching and Development at Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion spoke about their plans going forward and how they want to continue to support members of their community:  

“We’re always looking to add different parts to the club. We’re doing a lot of work in the social care space, we’re working with schools, and we’re hoping to do some safe falling workshops. Pushing into 2026, we’ll continue what we’re doing and hopefully do a bit more. We’re always looking to see who might need us, who could benefit from judo so we’ll wait and see, hopefully we can add in a few more things.” 

Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion won a trio of awards during the 2025 JudoScotland Community Awards with coach Antony Martin winning Disability Coach of the Year and Simone Hamill winning Volunteer of the Year. Reflecting on the club’s success John said:  

“I think it’s a fantastic achievement for us. I believe our volunteers and our young coaches are some of the best. They give up their time to come here, and they just enjoy what they do and they give a lot back. I think they deserve everything.  

“These awards show the value that we’ve put into the club. The way we run the club and the family environment we’ve created. This award validates what we do so it means we’re going down the right way of doing things. For us it’s a great way to showcase all the volunteers and coaches who have put the hard work in over the years to give something back to them to be seen by the edge of Scotland. 

Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion were presented their award by JudoScotland Disability Development Officer Stephen Somerville earlier this month.  

Claire Shiach a dedicated coach at ProJudo, has been honoured with JudoScotland’s Player Development Coach 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.   

This award is presented to a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to long-term athlete development aligned with the JudoScotland Player Development Framework.   

As a Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medallist herself, Claire brings not only elite-level experience but also a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at a high level to all the judoka she coaches.  

At ProJudo, Claire delivers weekly sessions which are technically detailed to ensure that each judoka is being challenged both physically and mentally throughout the sessions.  

With multiple judoka from ProJudo having also made their way onto National Squads and competing internationally, Claire shared how coaching has impacted her life: 

“I love all the kids coming along and seeing the difference from when they were tiny babies and now, they’re all taller than me, stronger than me, faster than me and can throw harder than me. It just brings me a lot of joy when they come in. They bring that energy, they show up, they work hard, and really that’s what I get out of it. Watching them enjoy judo.”  

Claire leads a structured Strength & Conditioning (S&C) programme at ProJudo, delivered within the JudoScotland framework, which supports athletes’ physical development alongside their technical and tactical progression. While simultaneously promoting the judo moral code, she is helping athletes to grow into confident individuals both on and off the mat.  

Claire explains that finding that balance between being challenging and caring as a coach is key to ensure athlete success:  

“I have a hard exterior that keeps them in line, but I’ve got a big soft heart inside because I love them all. I push them and challenge them, but I keep them safe as well. They absolutely love the challenge, so I really have to hold them back.” 

“I find it quite easy to find the balance of keeping them, in the right place, at the right time, because I know as a high-performance S&C coach what’s right for them. I know when to say, “You can take that extra bit of weight ” or I say, “No – your form’s a bit off”, I can keep them safe and challenge them at the same time.” 

Providing a large range of opportunities at the club from training camps to regional competitions to bespoke development days, Claire actively encourages judoka to push their boundaries and exposes them to high-performance environments that accelerate their growth. 

Reflecting on what winning the award means for her as a coach, Claire said:  

“It was an absolute surprise. But when I started to think about it, I thought it was really nice to have this particular award, the Player Development Coach of the Year, because that’s what I do. It’s what it says on the award itself, and I’ve done it all my life and I love it, and I don’t do it for any other reason than the joy that the kids bring me, the energy, I absolutely love it, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop doing it until I can’t.” 

Claire was presented his award at ProJudo by JudoScotland CEO Judith McCleary and JudoScotland Chair Marc Preston, on Tuesday 14th October.