THE high regard with which Kendal Judo Club is held with the sport has been reflected by the news that it has been selected to take part in a a £7.3 million Government sponsored scheme to develop talented athletes from a range of sports.

The club is one of only six judo venues in England and the only one in the North to be chosen to host the Diploma in Sporting Excellence scheme, a two year study programme combining the opportunity to train eight hours plus a week in combination with the educational course they are following at school or college.

Only open to selected 16-18 year olds who are aspiring to become athletes on British Judo’s talent pathway, the programme offers judo players the opportunity to learn how to organise their training and understand the importance of nutrition, sport psychology, strength and conditioning.

They will also accrue 64 UCAS points towards their further education which is more than an A* at A level.

Kendal Judo Club's Danny Harper has the task of running the scheme at the Dojo which includes monthly training sessions under the watchful eye of two times Olympian Sophie Cox.

Eight other players from all over the North of England will be joining Kendal Judo Club members Nathan O’Sullivan, Nye Greasley, Daisy Schwarzer, Lauren Fox and Callam McGaughey.