Typically your age group for the season is based on the age you are on 1st January.
Age Groups:
Years showing are the last eligible year of birth. So, for example to be eligible for U14 in the 24-25 season you can be born in 2011 or later. But if you are born in 2009 you fall into the U16 category.
| 23-24 | 24-25 | 25-26 | |
| U12 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
| U14 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
| U16 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| U17 (Cadet) | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| U18 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| U20 (Junior) | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 |
| U23 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
U14
Fencers who are under the age of 14 on 1st January in the calendar year.
For example if you are under the age of 14 on 1st January 2025, you are a U14 for the 2024-2025 season, which ends after the 2025 EFC U14 Festival – usually held in May.
Minimum Age for U14 Ranking Events in the UK – Fencers must be at least 10 years old on the day of the competition.
Cadet (U17)
Fencers who are under the age of 17 on 1st January in the calendar year.
For example if you are under the age of 17 on 1st January 2025, you are a Cadet (U17) for the 2024-2025 Cadet season, which ends after the 2025 Cadet World Championships usually held in April.
Minimum Age for Cadet Events in the UK – Fencers must be at least 11 on 1st January in order to compete in any UK cadet events in that calendar year.
Juniors (U20s)
Fencers who are under the age of 20 on 1st January in the calendar year.
For example if you are under the age of 20 on 1st January 2025, you are a Junior (U20) for the 2024-2025 Junior season, which ends after the 2025 Junior World Championships usually held in April.
Minimum Age in the UK – Fencers must be at least 13 on the day of the event
British Youth Championships (BYCs) Age Groups 2025
U12 – Born 2013 or 2014
U14 – Born 2011 or 2012
U16 – Born 2009 or 2010
U18 – Born 2007 or 2008
Seniors
No upper limit.
Minimum Age in the UK – Fencers must be at least 13 on the day of the event.
Minimum Ages for International Competition
Fencers must have reached their 13th birthday before they may apply for an FIE licence (FIE rule o.29 )
Activate your free, 90 day membership to British Fencing today. Membership insures you to fence at any British Fencing club.
Does your organisation want to bring fencing to your community? Explore our core coach course, no experience required.
Start your journey to becoming a community fencing coach. Introduce fencing to pupils for as little as £25. Find out more today.
Sign up to receive regular highlights from the exciting world of fencing - celebrating the best of our unique and inspiring community
