Students from Hertfordshire University Judo Club recently travelled to Albania where they took part in a cultural exchange. 

In a moving and rewarding visit students Stephen Wond, Robert Barnes, Matthew Hammond and Scott Burns visited an orphanage and witnessed the positive work local coaches were doing with children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the area. 

The students then went to the Rinia Sports Centre in the capital Tirana. In front of the Vice President of the Albanian Judo Federation Alfons Babani, Hertfordshire University’s head coach Doug Seabrook delivered a technical session to the judoka in attendance. 

The students capped of their trip by meeting the inspirational Anton Shkoza a 7^th Dan and former Olympian, who in spite of his paralysis continues to coach local children to keep them off the streets and channel their energy into judo. 

“It was a great trip and we are already starting to plan next year’s trip” said Doug Seabrook, who also paid tribute to Anton Shkoza, Kevin Paja, Labo Capo, Met Shkreli and Saimir Haxhiu who helped organise the visit. 

As part of the visit the club along with Marshalswick Judo Club, have set up two just giving pages to help raise money for the orphanage and to provide a new wheelchair and other equipment to help Anton. 

Hertfordshire University are one of a number of clubs taking part in the Student Voucher Scheme, a unique offer that provides students with opportunity to do a years’ worth of judo for only £20.00. For more information and to sign up to the Student Voucher Scheme visit: www.britishjudo.org.uk/svs.