Blackpool judo coach Daniel nominated for national award

A Blackpool judo coach has been nominated for a prestigious UK Coaching award in recognition of his success in teachingjudoto more than 2000 children a year.

- Alex Mitton

Daniel Hankinson with one of his students

Daniel Hankinson, head coach of Keidokwai Judo Club in Blackpool, has been announced as a finalist for the UK Coaching Community Coach of the Year - Children & Young People Award sponsored by Play Their Way. The award recognises coaches who have created opportunities and changed lives at grassroots level.

Reacting to the news, Daniel said: "It feels surreal to be nominated for a UK Coaching award and it hasn't really sunk in. I feel very proud but even more so to be fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who would take the time to actually vote for me. That in itself fills me with immense gratitude."

Daniel, who also coaches for Fylde Coast Judo Academy during school term time, works with more than 2000 children a year across the northwest. He has been involved in judo for years, but in 2022, he opted to quit his retail job and become a full-time judo coach after his father passed away.