NAME

Lucy Scott

ROLE

CEO

Lucy joined as Chief Executive in September 2022, having previously worked for the Football Association of Wales, Durham University, and managed one of the largest indoor tennis centres in the UK. Lucy is a former international tennis player and Level 4 tennis coach and coach education tutor, who is currently on the Tennis Wales Board.

A huge sports fan, Lucy is a proud Wrexham AFC supporter, and can be found regularly walking, hiking, and running the beautiful Welsh outdoors.

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NAME

Tom Hughes

ROLE

Development & Events Manager

Tom Hughes has been proud full-time member of the Welsh Judo Association team since 2015. He initially began working for Welsh Judo Association back in 2009 whilst training judo at National Judo Center as a part-time membership and schools judo coach.

In addition to his work at the Welsh Judo Association, he also coach Judo at Cardiff Judo Academy. With Tom’s experience in different area throughout the organisation, he’s passionate about promoting the sport and supporting Welsh Judo athletes and coaches.

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NAME

Michael Horley

ROLE

National Coach

Michael joined the association as Welsh Judo National Coach in June 2023, following a successful 4 and a half years as Provincial Coach for Judo Saskatchewan in Canada. Here, the team enjoyed success at National events across Canada along with international representation at the Cadet and Junior level.

Prior to this Michael worked for Judo Scotland for 3 years coaching cadets and juniors. Before his coaching journey Michael represented Great Britain at European Judo Union (EJU) and International Judo Federation (IJF) Tour events as an athlete.

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NAME

Sami Smithson

ROLE

Safeguarding

Former Squadron Leader, RAF, ex GB Judo International, 2nd Dan and BJA Coach.

Currently Chairperson of Accrington Stanley Women FC, Sami splits her love of sport across football and judo!

A keen Hyrox competitor, Sami continues to push her limits and has European and World silver medals (age groups).

Sami can be found in the gym or walking the dog when not talking judo, welfare, safeguarding or football.

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NAME

Eira Culverwell

ROLE

Business Manager

Eira comes from an eclectic martial arts background with over 33 year’s experience, representing Wales internationally across three martial art disciplines.

She currently holds the following grades:

  • 4th Dan Kyokushin Karate
  • 3rd Dan Jutsu Kai
  • 3rd Dan Shin Atemi
  • 1st Dan Taekwondo
  • Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

When Eira isn’t on the mat, she can be found studying Japanese, teaching self-defence in schools and running sports massage treatments.

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Welsh Judo Directors

The key decision-making body for the Company The Welsh Judo Board consists of twelve Directors comprising of 5 Elected Directors and 7 Independent Directors. Elected Directors are appointed for a term of four years, Independent Directors for two-year terms.

Board Diversity Statement

Welsh Judo are committed to increasing the diversity of its Board. We feel that greater diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and ideas from people from under-represented groups will help we deliver on our mission. To better represent the diverse nation, we serve and increase the effectiveness of our decision making, we want to attract and particularly encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, neurodiverse and socially mobile candidates.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a meeting held once a year for all the Company Member clubs. During the meeting, the Annual Report and the Financial Reports and Accounts are submitted for approval. Any changes to Articles of the Company are also agreed. Anyone is welcome to attend the AGM and can ask a question at the meeting, however this needs to be submitted beforehand to the WJA Office. During the voting section, only Company Members are entitled to participate.