YOUNG JUDO PLAYERS TO COMPETE FOR NATIONAL TITLES IN SHEFFIELD

This Saturday and Sunday (13th-14th October) Sheffield will host the 2007 Junior National Age Band Championships, which will see judo players from the ages of 12-17 years competing to earn the National Age Band titles.

The Championships, which are supported by Sheffield City Council's Major Sports Events Unit, are being held at iceSheffield for the third consecutive year and will be an opportunity to watch some of Great Britain ’s top young sporting talent in action. This year a record number of 750 young players have entered the event at the Sheffield International Venues (SIV) arena.

The tournament is categorised into weight and age groups, with gold medallists becoming National Champions.  The English gold medallist will also automatically take a place on the World Class Start Squad ( England ).  This is British Judo’s English development programme, which aims to prepare players for progression up the World Class Performance pathway, with the ultimate goal of winning medals at the World Championships and Olympic Games.

The competitors will travel to the Championships from throughout England , Ireland , Scotland and Wales , with just two of the young hopefuls, one from Sheffield and one from Rotherham , competing closer to home.

Densign White, Chairman of the British Judo Association said, “iceSheffield has been a fantastic host to this event for the last two years and I am delighted that this year we have record numbers competing.

“The young talent taking part in the Championships weekend may be taking their first steps on a journey to success at the highest level. To have the chance to compete in such a fabulous venue will be a fantastic experience and one that they will never forget.

Mandy Janes, General Manager of iceSheffield, added,  “We are delighted to be hosting the 2007 Junior National Age Band Championships. It is brilliant that the sport’s brightest young stars will get the chance to compete in front of such a large crowd at iceSheffield. The event was a huge success last year and the 2007 Championships will once again showcase the wealth of talent we have in the city and across the UK .”