Covid-19 has hit judo especially hard over the past five months and none more so than our dedicated clubs running across the country.

As a result of the ongoing pandemic, Craven Judo Academy have had to accelerate exciting plans that were originally pencilled in for 2023 (their 10th anniversary of being open) to open their open permanently-laid facility.

Throughout the closure, they have provided activities, technical resources, workouts and training ideas on social media, as well as a period where they delivered zoom classes and are now delivering socially distanced outdoor training sessions.

Head Coach Danny Harper acknowledged that having a facility whereby they wouldn’t have to lay mats each and every weeks has always been a dream for the club!

“A facility of this kind was something we were hoping to get by 2023 (our 10th anniversary of being open) but we’ve acted now to safeguard the club from the aftermath of Covid-19.”

“Gaining a facility of this nature is the ultimate dream for many clubs and will allow us to bring our members back indoors before the weather starts to turn during Autumn.”

The Academy run several clubs around Yorkshire and have opted for a centralised location in Ingleton, which is around 15 minutes drive away from their other clubs running.

“We therefore approached Ingleton Parish Council to ask for their support and they suggested we contact the directors of “Ingleton “i” Centre” about using their sports hall.”

“After weeks of negotiations we can finally confirm that the “Ingleton I Centre” Sports Hall will be our sole venue from September and our new dojo will be open for community use too.”

The team need your help though! Moving into a new facility costs money, so the guys are looking to raise £2,000 which Sport England are set to match if they reach their target. With a host of great rewards for donations, you can donate as little or as much as your would like! At time of writing, the Academy are over half way to their £2,000 target so every little helps!

Click here to donate