Mauro and Sophie Menchini – Sporting Icon, Charity Champion or Volunteer nomination

Mauro and Sophie Menchini – Sporting Icon, Charity Champion or Volunteer nomination

The Staffordshire karate club that Mauro and Sophie Menchini launched in 2018 now stages a national competition for around 700 young people.

The Rugeley couple launched GB Open Karate Clubs after recognising a need for a productive outlet for children and teenagers in their local area.

They now have people travelling from around the region for classes and from around the UK for their annual competition. They run on a not-for-profit basis and became a registered charity two years ago.

The annual GB Open Championships, which they stage in Birmingham, provides young martial artists with the opportunity to showcase their talents, challenge themselves and build friendships within a wider karate community.

“We have five to eight-year-olds from all different backgrounds,” said Sophie. “It’s a big deal for them to have an outlet like this. We try to fundraise in between classes and competitions because our parents just don’t have the sort of money needed for competing.

“My husband started from a really young age in lots of different martial arts and I started after I met him. Our son was particularly keen and progressed to world and European level, so martial arts have been a big part of our family life.”

Sophie, aged 49, and Mauro, aged 57, have been nominated in the Sporting Icon and Charity Champion or Volunteer categories of the Your Heroes Awards.

Elizabeth Perry said: “Sophie and Mauro devote countless hours of their spare time to supporting the members of GB Open Karate Clubs. Their passion extends far beyond teaching martial arts; they have created an environment where children and young people can grow in confidence, develop resilience and learn valuable life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

“Sophie and Mauro have been instrumental in building a welcoming and inclusive family where every child, regardless of their background, ability, or disability, has the opportunity to participate, succeed, and thrive. Their unwavering belief that disability should never be a barrier to participation has helped countless young people gain confidence, self-belief and a sense of belonging.

“Through their leadership, GB Open Karate Clubs have become much more than a sports organisation. They provide a safe and supportive environment where children learn discipline, respect, teamwork, perseverance and good etiquette. Parents consistently report positive changes in their children’s behaviour, focus, confidence and social skills as a direct result of the opportunities and support provided by Sophie and Mauro.”

Sophie added: “It’s lovely to be nominated for a Young Heroes Award and to get the recognition. It does feel special and makes you think that you must be doing a good job.”