Judo champion inspires college pupils

Pupils at Exmouth Community College have had an inspiring visit from a former British junior judo champion.

Tom Reed – who narrowly missed out on a place in the Team GB squad for the London Olympics – visited the college as part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport project.

He first worked with the college’s year nine leadership group – selected by PE teachers to lead primary school activities later in the year – and talked about being a young leader, his career and future Olympic goals, before a practical session working on team skills and Judo moves.

Tom then held a session on building confidence and social skills with year eight pupils.

Tom said he had enjoyed “an incredibly inspiring day” at the college, and added: “I received a very enthusiastic welcome from the school and the young people who were very keen to share their experiences and insights with me.

“The pupils I met on this visit were a credit to Exmouth Community College and, as is so often the case in this job, I came away feeling incredibly inspired myself.

“I told the pupils about my own story of overcoming difficulties to excel in my chosen sport and also shared the British Athletes Commission’s Six Keys to Success which include mental toughness, hunger to achieve and planning for success.

“Different sports inspire different people but one thing is true, there’s a sport for everyone and it can be life changing. I hope that I have encouraged the pupils at Exmouth Community College to keep focused on reaching their goals.”