UPDATE TO ADP TEAM

Since January 2022, there has been a gradual shift in roles and responsibilities within the Athlete Development Programme (ADP) team. As part of this shift, Weapon Lead administrative responsibilities have been transitioned from ADP Coaches into the ADP Executive Team.

As a result, two team members are stepping away from their ADP Lead roles to re-focus on their coaching in clubs and schools, as well as supporting their club fencers who are on the pathway. Whilst John Rees stepped back in April, Chris Galesloot will formally step back at the end of August on the completion of the UK Sport Hi-Cap Scheme.

As for all members of the ADP Coaching team, future involvement in camps and competition will be at their availability, balancing their other commitments.

Commenting on this shift, Steve Kemp, Pathway Director, said, “Both John and Chris have been instrumental in the growth and improved standards of the Athlete Development Programme and they should rightly be proud of their work in this space over the last few years. On behalf of British Fencing and the ADP athletes and staff, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Chris and John for all their hard work. They have shown great passion and commitment over the years and been instrumental in establishing the foundations and culture for current and future success. I am delighted that both coaches will remain part of the ADP Coaching team and will remain valued members of our performance system.”

Summary of Roles and Responsibilities Changes

The ADP Executive Weapons Leads will be responsible for

• driving the BF individual weapon strategies,
• supporting athletes in creating and managing their Individual Athlete Development Plans
• athlete performance planning support,
• consolidate the coaching within the current structure (working with Dusty Miller, Head of People and Culture)

This with the ambition to develop and build the World Class/High Performance system, delivering against the objectives of the successful UK Sport Progression funding application.

The ADP Executive Weapon Leads are:

• Foil – Johnny Davis with additional responsibility for Olympic Team management and preparation
• Sabre – Rob Cawdron with additional responsibility for Athlete Support (Sports Aid & TASS) and insights
• Epee – Ian Lichfield with additional responsibility for University Performance Centres and system efficiencies and improvements (eg selection procedures, rankings, performance data systems and processes)

If you have any questions relating to this post, please submit them to us via the form here and a member of the ADP team will come back to you.

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