IRVINE Judo Club are celebrating after one of their teenage stars won his third gold medal.

Ross Carswell last week brought home the gold from the Special Needs Championships in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire - his third in as many years

The inspirational 18-year-old suffers from Aspergers Syndrome but hasn’t let his condition hold him back.

And as well as winning medals on the judo mat, Ross also entertains crowds up and down the country as a wrestler.

Ross won a silver medal at the Scottish Special Needs Championships earlier this year after gaining his much-sought after black belt in judo at the end of last year.

The former Irvine Royal Academy pupil will have another type of gold on his mind for 2017 after being named in the Special Olympics judo squad which will take place in Sheffield next March.

Ross’ gold medal win tops off a hugely successful week for Irvine Judo Club.
The club are at the final stages of their Community Asset Transfer which will see them have their own permanent training facility at the Parterre Hall.

As well as that, the club received a great cash boost in the form of £500 and £300 from Arnold Clark and CK Contracts respectively.

Irvine Judo Club coach Gordon Brawley couldn’t hide his delight at Ross’ success in Aylesbury.

He said: “Ross is a credit to Irvine Judo Club and he trains exceptionally hard.

“He also does wrestling shows throughout the country and doesn’t mind playing the bad boy in the wrestling ring every other week but the reality is a nicer, kinder person you could never meet.”

Gordon added: “We’ve also just come through the fourth stage of the Asset Transfer of the Parterre Hall.

“It’s only the signing of the legalities which have to be completed, meaning we’ll have our own training facility.

“The club have also been on the receiving end of some generous funding by Arnold Clark and CK Contracts.

“It’s been a fantastic week for the club.”

Irvine Judo Club is open to all levels including special needs and beginners.

The club is open Tuesday and Thursday (6.30pm until 7.30pm for kids, 7.30pm until 9pm for over 13s and adults).