On the 9th and 10th March the British Schools Championship took place in Sheffield, with the top competitors from across the UK coming together to compete for the title of Champion.
A squad of 19 players from 8 clubs across the province were part of the cohort of players attending, with 15 of these being long standing members of our Pathway Squad and Academy initiative coached by Stephen McCluskey. Another 4 were self-funded players.
This was the first time so many athletes from the Pathway initiative have been selected, but since it’s inception in October 2021, the Pathway Squad and Academy have travelled across the province for training, they have competed and medalled at numerous events, and consistently developed through progressive coaching sessions.
It was time to put the players into a higher level of competition and reward them for their efforts and attendances.
Over two days, the Schools Championship has categories for all ages and weights along with an adaptive section. No mean feat for the players to stay focused, on weight and feel comfortable away from home.
However, we’re delighted to report that the hard work paid off as this year was a very high medal haul for the Northern Ireland players, as well as success in contest wins and experience for the players.
Coming back across the water are 2 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 1 bronze as well as 2 5th place finishes.
Pathway Coach, Stephen McCluskey said:
“I’m delighted at the results, but more importantly the conduct of our players, the hard work that they have all put in over the last few months to prepare for this event came to the fore on the mats.
We will be celebrating the wins and fine tuning the defeats, but everyone that steps on the mats at such a high level and competitive event should be very proud of themselves.
I’m looking forward to what the future holds for the Pathway players.”
Russell Brown, Chairman of the NIJF added:
“To be able to support the athletes from the Pathway with funding, providing tracksuits and help the parents and carers for such a large group was fantastic for us to be able to do.
The players more than repaid our faith in them, they were exemplary in their behaviour, their conduct on and off the mat and we’re very proud of all of them.
I must add a big thank you to Sport NI for empowering us to help these young athletes.”
The Pathway Squad and Academy consists of multiple clubs and players, all working together to develop their judo, and to train and connect with other judokas across Northern Ireland. It was created to develop opportunities for the younger members of the NIJF across Northern Ireland, to grow and retain membership and offer access to a wider range of competitions and learning opportunities.
The Squad and Academy will resume training shortly and all details will be posted on our social media and website. New players will always be welcomed.