'Please help': Judo club fears closure over costs

Gooch Judo Kwai 2000 has spent 13 years at its current base

Volunteers fear their judo club could be forced to close if it cannot find a new home.

Gooch Judo Kwai 2000, in Scunthorpe, has been teaching people of all ages for the past 25 years and has 60 active members.

Tina Parker, the founder and head coach, said an increase in rent meant the group could no longer afford to stay at its current base and needed an "affordable" alternative.

"Please help us," she said. "All these children, we're going to be letting them down. We just want to keep open and continue providing for the community."

Tina Parker says she's taught judo to thousands of children

Ms Parker, a former Great Britain international, set up the volunteer-run club alongside her mother, Lin, and father, Len.

She said she was looking for a space to rent at an "affordable price", in order to keep the cost of sessions low.

"We don't get paid to do this – we do it because we love it," she added.

The landlord said the rent increase reflected market values within Scunthorpe. Previously, the rent had not been put up for nine years in recognition of the community nature of the club.

Freya says the club has taught her and Alfie "lots of self-discipline and self-respect"

Freya became a member of the club after seeing how much her six-year-old son, Alfie, enjoyed attending sessions.

"It's just really heartbreaking," she said. "There have been a few sleepless nights.

"It gives us a way to come and participate in a sport that we otherwise wouldn't have access to."

Jared Fletcher, 23, and his brother, Jaden, 19, joined as young boys and now volunteer as coaches.

Jared said: "It has just become my family. I've gone from knowing nothing, to being a blackbelt, to being one of the coaches.

"It would be devastating if we lost it. It's all I've known since I was five years old. It would be the worst feeling in the world."

Jaden added: "It's just what I'm meant to do. It's who I am."

'It teaches respect'

Children who attend the classes have joined the appeal to find a new home.

David, 11, said: "It teaches you respect, courage and to control your body temper.

"I don't know how to help, but I would really like to keep this club because I love it."

Sophie, 13, added: "I'm scared that I'm going to lose everyone here. I've made so many friends.

"I don't know what I'd do without you all."

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices