A year and a half ago, Penrose Judo Club was on the brink of losing their venue and their membership had been slowly declining.

The club turned the corner when it elected a new committee to develop an action and business plan which was aimed at securing a venue, increasing membership, offering training for volunteers at the club who were interested in becoming more involved and also to look at outreach taster sessions within the community.

In July 2011, Sported, the UK’s leading sport for development charity, awarded the club £2,895 to begin appropriate training for our volunteers. Through this funding, the club was able to send one volunteer on a Level 2 Coaching course.

In December 2011, the club was awarded a further £2,000 by Cornwall Community Foundation towards the cost of the trailer for the outreach work.

Then in March 2012 the club was awarded the final grant from Sport England of £6,194 for the balance needed for the trailer plus a new set of mats and judo suits for the outreach work.

The club already had long established links with two special schools and had members with additional needs attending the club. Both coaches have tailored sessions in order that these members can participate in the sport. The club has always considered itself an all inclusive club and wanted to continue to be so but able to go out to these schools to offer sessions. In addition to this, the club has approached one secondary school and four primary schools who are keen to run taster sessions as well.

British Judo Regional Development Officer Stephen Hammond said: “This is really good news for a club which was on the verge of closing two years ago.

“The club is going from strength to strength and providing a really good service within their local community. The club deserves recognition for the very good work they undertake in providing support for people with additional needs within their community.”

The club has also been asked to take part in the Olympic Torch Event taking place in Helston on the 19 May, as the torch goes through Helston.

Penrose Judo Club train at St Mary’s Catholic Church Hall, Helston, TR13. Boys and girls train on a Friday from 18:30 – 19:30 while men and women follow from 19:30 – 20:30.