Alness judo coach of 37 years awarded for ‘lifetime dedication and passion’
THE efforts of a “passionate and dedicated” Alness man who has devoted over 37 years to the local judo club have been recognised with a prestigious award.
Alness’ Frazer McBeath (58) has trained multiple generations of Easter Ross judoka as the head coach of Alness and Evanton Judo Club, as well as refereeing matches across the country.
Frazer first got into judo as a child at the first Invergordon judo club, where he trained for many years before going to help out at the Alness Judo Club, to “give something back to the community”.
Soon the club were in need of a new head coach, and Frazer stepped up to the challenge.
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“What I enjoy about it is seeing all of the kids’ happy faces,” he said. “It teaches them respect, discipline and gives them so much confidence. Even if they give up judo, they still take all of that with them for the rest of their lives.
“Judo used to just be a pastime for me, but now it’s a way of life.”
As well as his own devotion to the sport, Frazer’s family have developed a passion for judo too.
He said: “My son’s now a coach, my brother’s got two clubs… it’s like a family affair when we go to competitions!
“I’ve now promoted my son to head coach of the club, and I’m there for advice and helping to get the younger coaches qualified.
“I’ve got people I worked with, I was coaching their children — now I’m coaching their grandchildren!”
In recognition of his passion for the sport, Judo Scotland awarded Frazer with the Lifetime Contribution Award on January 28.
Frazer said: “I was very humbled to receive the award, because as far as I’m concerned, we’re one big family. It’s not just my club — it’s their club.
“I wouldn’t have achieved all this if I didn’t have the support from my wife and all of the other people helping me — we’re all a team. The award isn’t just for me, it’s for everybody who has been involved.
“We don’t do it for praise, we do it for the love of the sport. We’re all volunteers giving up our time, and it’s very rewarding seeing all the kids achieve their grades and win medals.”
As well as his dedication to judo, Frazer also works as an instructor at Nigg Skills Academy.
Judo Scotland said: “Frazer’s lifetime dedication to judo has shaped countless judoka at Alness Judo Club and beyond. His passion for both refereeing and coaching is nothing short of remarkable.”