1.      Background Context

In June 2017 an update was provided on the British Fencing Talent Pathway. This can be found here: http://britishfencing.com/uploads/files/talent_programme_update_june_2017_v8.pdf

The British Fencing Talent team is committed to providing a quarterly update on progress within the Talent Pathway. We are now underway with delivery of Talent Pathway.

2.      Recruitment

British Fencing is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members of the Talent Pathway team: Stuart Haw (Talent Pathway Administrator) and Rob Cawdron (Assistant Talent Pathway Manager).

Stuart will be responsible for the day to day administration of the programme and the primary contact for all queries relating to the programme.

Rob will be assisting the Talent Pathway Manager in developing a framework, planning Talent Camps and monitoring the progress of Talent Pathway Athletes.

3.      Update on Talent Development Centres

The British Fencing Talent Pathway have been working in partnership with The University of Bath to launch and run a Talent Development Centre for Fencing. Through the TDC, fencers will have regular access to strength and conditioning support, as well as other sport science and medicine staff at the University. This TDC was launched in September and has enabled Foil and Epee fencers to develop strength and conditioning plans that complement their current training. These sessions have been organised by a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University and by British Fencing Talent Coaches John Rees and Tim Miles

If you are local to the University and can commit to attending regularly, please contact [email protected]

4.      Cadet and Junior European Championship Selection

British Fencing would like to remind fencers wishing to be selected for the European Championships to familiarise yourself with the GBR Junior Selection Policy 2017-2018: http://britishfencing.com/uploads/files/gbr_junior_selection_policy_2017-2018_v1.0_board_approved_19th_june_2017.pdf

Congratulations to the three Junior fencers who have met the qualifying standard for selection, Dominic De Almeida, Isabella Gill and Danielle Lawson.

British Fencing can also confirm that the Junior Women’s Epee Team have also met the qualifying standard for a team event as they have met Section 6.25 of the GBR Junior Selection Policy 2017-2018 which states that notwithstanding the qualifying standard for individual events, any weapon, which makes a L8 in one of the nominated FIE international team competitions, may send a team to the 2018 Junior European Championships.

5.      European and World Cadet and Junior Championships Preparation

British Fencing will be running a Talent Camp in Manchester for those fencers who will be heading to the European Championships, this will be run in conjunction with the British Fencing Talent Camp. This is so that the fencers can prepare for the Championships as a team.

The European Championship Preparation Camp will be running from the 16^th to the 18^th of February at the Manchester Fencing Centre and we would expect all fencers selected for the European Championships to attend. We are exploring the possibility of the Foil teams attending a Junior World Cup on this weekend in preparation for the European Championships. 

There will also be a World Cadet and Junior preparation camp on the 24^th and 25^th of March at the Leon Paul Centre for all fencers selected to attend the World Cadet and Junior Championships.

6.      Future dates

There have been some changes to the planned Talent Camps. The table below lists the remaining Talent Camps and their location.

Amongst other tasks and activities, we will

• Announce details of the British Fencing advanced coach development programme. This forms part of British Fencing’s ongoing work to develop coaches and will be underpinned by three modules: Coaching Practice, Coach Development and Athlete Development.

• Pilot additional talent development centres.

• Provide a quarterly update on the progress of the implementation of the Talent Pathway. 

Should you have any questions or queries in the meantime, then please contact Steve Garrett on [email protected].