British Judo formally opened their National Training Centre Extension yesterday as part of a celebration event with University of Wolverhampton.

The event celebrated the long-standing relationship between the two organisations having worked in partnership for the past ten years, with the collaboration now extended until 2032.

The recent investment was given planning permission earlier this year to extend our specialist sport facilities to support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes based in the West Midlands.

The new development includes dedicated physiotherapy facilities providing world class science and medical support to athletes as part of the British Judo Association’s partnership with the English Institute of Sport, alongside dedicated changing room and shower facilities.

The new 12-year agreement ensures the Centre of Excellence will remain on the Walsall Campus for the next three Olympic cycles, preparing athletes for Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028 and beyond, with eyes now turning to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games following Tokyo.

Take A Tour of the New Extension!

Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor at the University, said: “We have been home to the British Judo Association’s elite programme for more than five years now, and last year supported their hosting of the Commonwealth Judo Championships on our campus.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate our collective achievements at this event, including providing amazing new world-class facilities to support both local athletes and students as they continue on their sporting journey.”

Ronnie Saez, Chairman of British Judo said: “The University has been home to our Olympic and Paralympic programme since the Rio cycle and I am delighted to extend our partnership with the University until 2032.”

“Since being based on the site, we have seen the programme claim a multitude of medals on the European and World stages and I can’t wait to see the team compete in Tokyo.”

“The extension will make a huge difference to the athletes and their training schedules as we look forward to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and beyond!”

The event also provided us with opportunity to wish the Olympic and Paralympic teams good luck for the upcoming Games, with the Olympic squad due to depart next Friday.