We are delighted to announce that Sandy Hodge will become Chair of JudoScotland from 1 November 2026.
JudoScotland was extremely encouraged by both the volume of interest and the calibre of candidates who applied for the role, highlighting the strength of the organisation and the positive direction of the sport in Scotland.
Sandy brings extensive leadership, governance and sporting experience to the role, having served as JudoScotland’s Independent Director since 2023 and Vice-Chair for the past year. He has been instrumental in driving key developments, including the creation of Board portfolios, and has made a significant contribution through his governance expertise, strategic direction and commitment to the continued growth and success of the organisation.
As a previous sportscotland Partnership Manager for Judo until 2023, Sandy played a key role in guiding JudoScotland through the pandemic and a significant period of organisational change. His leadership, insight, and constructive partnership helped the organisation, earning widespread respect across the staff team, Board, and wider judo community.
Currently Chief Executive of The Scottish Football Partnership and The Scottish Football Partnership Trust, he has a proven track record in strategic growth, organisational development and stakeholder engagement.
Through both his work with sportscotland and his time on the JudoScotland Board, Sandy has developed a deep understanding of the organisation, its people and its future opportunities. His continued commitment to the sport makes him exceptionally well placed to lead JudoScotland into its next chapter.
Committed to supporting the continued growth of judo in Scotland and delivering positive outcomes for members, clubs and communities across the country, Sandy said on his appointment:
“I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to have been appointed Chair of JudoScotland. I am incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me and excited to begin this next chapter at such an important time for the sport.
We are entering a new strategic cycle with a real opportunity to build on the strong foundations already in place. There is a renewed sense of excitement around judo in Scotland and a great opportunity to build on the sport’s increased profile and momentum, following the Commonwealth Games this Summer.
I look forward to working with the Board, staff, clubs, coaches, athletes and the wider judo community to harness that momentum, grow participation, support our athletes and strengthen judo at every level. It is a real privilege to serve as Chair, and I am excited about what we can achieve together.”
Current Chair of JudoScotland, Marc Preston added:
“During my tenure as Chair, Sandy has been a rock and a trusted source of support.
When I became Chair in 2022, the guidance and encouragement Sandy provided in his role as Partnership Manager for sportscotland was invaluable. When he later chose to put himself forward for an Independent Director position following his departure from sportscotland, we were delighted that he wanted to continue contributing to judo, a sport that I believe has truly become his own. And, for the past year Sandy has been my Vice Chair and a great source of support.
Since joining the Board, Sandy has provided invaluable governance expertise, strategic insight and sound judgement, helping to strengthen the organisation during a period of growth and development. I have no doubt that he will be a tremendous success as Chair and continue to make a lasting contribution to JudoScotland and the wider judo community.
My legacy is to leave the organisation in the hands of someone who can take JudoScotland to the next level, and I have confidence that Sandy will absolutely achieve this.”
We are delighted to welcome Sandy into the role and look forward to working with him as we continue to develop and strengthen judo across Scotland. As part of a smooth transition, Sandy, Marc and Judith have an initial meeting in the diary with the British Judo Association, providing an early opportunity to strengthen relationships and explore future opportunities together.
