British Judo Coaches Step onto the UK Coaching Performance Pathway

British Judo is delighted to celebrate the selection of two of our passionate Community Coaches, Liam Doody and Gavin Towers, who have recently begun their journey on the UK Coaching Performance Pathway Coaching Programme (PPCP).

Both coaches have now completed their first contact day of the course and returned full of energy, enthusiasm, and ideas—ready to put their learning into practice within their clubs and communities.

The Performance Pathway Coaching Programme (PPCP) is a prestigious, year-long initiative delivered by UK Coaching, in partnership with UK Sport. It supports coaches working in the performance space to grow their expertise, leadership, and impact in guiding athletes through talent and performance environments. It is tailored to equip coaches with the knowledge and tools to thrive within their sport’s performance pathway, and we’re proud to see British Judo represented by two such dedicated individuals.

Liam brings over two decades of judo experience to the programme. Beginning his judo journey under coach Joe Glynn, Liam’s passion for the sport quickly turned competitive, culminating in national and international representation, including with the 2023 GB Universities Squad.

Today, Liam runs Tees Valley Judo in Middlesbrough—an inclusive club committed to developing athletes of all ages and abilities. With a particular focus on performance pathway athletes, Liam plays a key role in preparing competitors for the national and international stage. He also supports the England Programme as a support coach, gaining valuable insight from competitions across Europe.

“I am very excited to be a part of UK Coaching’s Performance Pathway Coaching Programme to further develop my knowledge and continue my development as a coach.” – Liam Doody

Gavin’s coaching philosophy centres around people—supporting individuals, players, and teams in achieving their goals, both on and off the mat. His approach goes beyond technique, encompassing the wider social, cultural, and political environments that shape the sporting landscape.

A strong advocate for collaborative learning, Gavin recognises the value of programmes like the PPCP in building communities of practice that allow coaches to learn and grow together.

“Coaching courses like this are a great opportunity to meet people and share ideas, an informed environment in which to shape your knowledge base. I’m really looking forward to learning with others who have the same passion and commitment to people, coaching and sport.” – Gavin Towers

Both Liam and Gavin exemplify the spirit and ambition of British Judo’s coaching community, and their involvement in the PPCP highlights the Association’s commitment to coach development at every level.

“We are incredibly proud of the BJA coaches who have been selected for UK Coaching’s Performance Pathway Coaching Programme. Their inclusion is a testament to their commitment to personal growth, their ability to positively influence athletes, and their drive to contribute to the future of British Judo. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our coaching pathway and further align our work with world-class standards of practice.”
— Joyce Heron, Head of Technical and Education, British Judo

We look forward to supporting Liam and Gavin as they continue their journey through the PPCP and bring back valuable knowledge, insights, and experiences that will benefit the wider Judo community.

Click here to read more about the programme

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