Two Hampshire judo clubs have successfully gained Clubmark status as they continue to be two shining lights in their communities.

The clubmark award, which has three levels in bronze, silver and gold, was introduced by Sport England in 2002. The scheme recognises and accredits clubs that are committed to providing safe, effective and child friendly environments for young people.

Alton Judo Club is based out of the Sports Centre in Alton and has been a British Judo Association (BJA) club since 1979 while Priory Judo Club is based out of Priory School in Portsmouth and engages in the Premier League 4 Sport programme with Portsmouth FC.

Alton Judo Club caters for all abilities and runs junior and senior classes, both of which are on Friday nights. Derek Piears is the senior session coach, having a wealth of experience at area, county and club level whilst Petra Piears coaches the junior section and can boast being the World Masters Champion and was also recognised last year at the Sport Hampshire IOW volunteer awards.

British Judo Regional Development Officer Peter Beard said: “The volunteers at Alton JC have put a lot of time in to the club and it shows. Last April the club started a junior section which is building steadily. They are a forwarding thinking club and Clubmark suitably highlights this.”

Priory Judo Club has recently launched a new adult beginners session on a Wednesday night. In addition, the club has also been involved with a Sportivate programme, working with Portsmouth City Council and delivering coaching sessions in a number of Youth Centres. The two people who have got the club to where it is today is a father son combination; John & Jon Patterson.

Peter Beard said: “Priory engage a lot in the local community and this is a just reward for the work they do in the name of judo.”

For further details on judo in the Hampshire region visit http://www.hampshirejudo.org.uk/