National Academy Manager, Alan Rapley, says: “We have set a template for the future which will allow National Academy fencers to benefit from regular international training camps at home and abroad.”

In December 2011 sixty fencers ventured abroad for the inaugural international National Academy training camps.  Foilists travelled to La Rochelle in France whilst epeeists and sabreurs went to Rome, Italy.

These camps gave fencers the opportunity to get the experience of travelling to an international event.  They spent three full days training and sparring against a wide variety of opponents.  AASE programme fencers benefitted from a 30% discount on the price of the camps.  They also marked the beginning of a partnership which will see international fencers travelling to the UK for training.

Commenting on the camps, Project Officer, Neil Brown said: “The first international camps proved a great success and now we are keen to follow these up.  These camps provide an excellent training opportunity which is both worthwhile and enjoyable.”  National Academy Manager, Alan Rapley added: “We have set a template for the future which will allow National Academy fencers to benefit from regular international training camps at home and abroad.”

Fencers born in and after 1994 and talent development coaches should contact Neil Brown ([email protected]) for information about future international camps.

For more information on the National Academy, please contact the National Academy Manager Alan Rapley ([email protected]) or the British Fencing Project Officer, Neil Brown ([email protected]).