Kookateki Judo Club’s Jonathan Cooke has been named Community Coach of the year by SportNI. 

SportNI visited one of Jonathan’s sessions to present him with the prestigious award, giving the whole club the opportunity to celebrate with Jonathan.  

The award recognises the contribution Jonathan has made integrating judo into the North Belfast community.  In addition to the main club sessions, Jonathan has also introduced judo to six primary schools and one secondary school across North Belfast.  

Earlier this year Jonathan teamed up with the Autism Intervention Service to engage with children with learning and intellectual disabilities and social disabilities (autism, asperger’s and ADHD). He also ran a judo programme to encourage and develop positive attitudes and behaviours in young people in partnership with MACS, who provide accommodation for young people making the transition from children’s homes to independent living. 

“This isn’t just an award for me this is an award for the whole club. I’d just like to extend a huge thank you to everyone that has supported Kookateki”, said Jonathan. 

Do you live in Belfast and want to try Judo? Kookateki run classes on Saturdays for juniors and adults of all standards. For more information please visit www.kookatekijudoclub.co.uk.