GBR SABRE WORKING GROUP

Last Updated: 27/10/2024

From November 2023 , the GBR Sabre programme is overseen by the Athlete Development Team in conjunction with a new Sabre working group (original news post here).

The working group’s purpose is to give direction and support to Sabre development in the GBR Pathway Programme, with identified GBR coaches given specific additional responsibilities.

Consisting of experienced GBR coaches and staff, the working group will be responsible, under the Board-approved Weapon Strategy, for:

• Giving direction and support to the future development of the weapon from Cadet through to Senior level.
• Providing leadership and guidance in the development of the GBR Pathway programme, shaping the deliverables across camps, competitions and other athlete development opportunities (including online education).
• Setting and improving standards at GBR camps and competitions.
• Advising on relevant BF Policy development.
• Supporting the delivery of funding body requirements (UK Sport Progression and Sport England Talent).

A full terms of reference can be found here.

Depending on identified needs, subject matter experts may be appointed to work across the weapon working groups.

The Sabre working group includes:

Coaches:

• Can Aydin
• Alex Bela
• Chris Buxton
• Jon Salfield
• Fran Whalley

Board Director: (tbc)

Facilitator: Dusty Miller

In addition to the working group role, the following coaches will be supporting the delivery work of the GBR Pathway Programme as follows:

• Can Aydin, Alex Bela  – Coaching Junior  Sabre Teams at World Cups
• Fran Whalley (BF Project Officer) – Overseeing the coaching and athlete support at EFC Cadet Competitions, planning and running GBR Camps, and coordinating with coaches and other support staff to deliver. And the cross-weapon adoption of Individual Athlete Development Plans.
• Jon Salfield  – Coaching Senior Sabre Teams at World Cups.

Note: the make-up of the working group will be reviewed each season. If you are a GBR coach interested in joining the working group, please read the Terms of Reference and then contact gbr_support@britishfencing.com.