Marshalswick Judo Club’s Doug Seabrook has won the coach of the year at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Awards on Friday.

Seabrook runs courses at both Marshalswick Judo Club and the university, and overcame the so-called “bigger” university sports coaches to win the accolade.

He has been involved with the sport for 36 years and founded the student club in 2011, when just 22 people came to the first session.

Now, the club runs large introductory sessions for the incoming Freshers every year.

Seabrook said: “We’ve done a good job integrating all of the new members into the club with the older students, so there is a lot of continuity and encouragement with new players coming through.

“There is a great atmosphere at the club. They are all really enthusiastic and are a pleasure to coach.”

He has forged links between the university and Marshalswick Judo clubs, and the students often do additional sessions at the St Albans institution.

The event was run by the university’s Athletics Union, with 300 guests in attendance including Vice Chancellor Quintin McKellar and Director of Sport, Nick Brecon.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/Marshalswickjudoclub.