]THORNABY PAVILION JUDO CLUB has been celebrating national recognition this week after three of the club’s judokas were named on the 2021 England judo squad, with two members of that trio also selected for the 2021 Great Britain junior team.

Liam Doody, who is 21 and Middlesbrough, has been chosen for England, along with twins Eve and Rachel Jackson, who are 18 and also from Middlesbrough. Eve and Rachel, who attend Middlesbrough College, have also earned a call-up to the Great Britain junior ranks.

The national call-ups represent another notable feather in the cap for 88-year-old Joe Glynn, the former coach of Thornaby Pavilion who finally stepped down from frontline coaching at the end of last year.

Glynn, who is a fifth dan and whose lifelong contribution to judo was recognised by both the Northern Echo’s Local Heroes Awards and the award of last year’s BBC Sport North-East Region Unsung Hero Award, is justifiably proud of his former protegees’ achievements.

“I’m so proud of everything they’ve done,” said Glynn. “Having coached Liam since he was six years old, it was nice to see him reach his goals, becoming a member of the England and coaching at his own club.

“I know how much both of those things mean to him, and it makes what I do all the more worthwhile.”

Doody, who attends Teesside University, coaches at Tees Valley Judo, which is based at Middlesbrough Sports Village.

“I’m keeping a close eye on what Liam is doing, and I wish his club all the best,” said Glynn. “Hopefully, I can get along to see one of his sessions once the Covid situation is resolved.”

Glynn first started working with Eve and Rachel Jackson six years ago, and is delighted to see them stepping up to Great Britain level.

“I think we’ve achieved what we set out to do six years ago,” he said. “I wanted to equip them with the knowledge and techniques to compete in judo at the highest level, and they’ve definitely got all of that now.

“There is no higher honour in sport than competing for your country, and I’m so pleased they’re going to be able to do that. They’ve definitely got the right temperament to do well in the sport, and again, I’m hope to be able to watch some of their future sessions once the lockdown rules are eased.”