Jon Salfield moves on from Weapon Lead Role

The ADP announces that Jon Salfield has stepped down from his role as ADP Sabre Weapon Lead to increase focus on personal coaching.

Jon Salfield joined the BF Athlete Development Programme as Sabre Weapon Lead in 2018.  As part of his role he provided leadership and guidance in the development of the GBR sabre programme, setting and improving standards at ADP camps and competitions, whilst also supporting GBR sabre teams across all ages.

More recently, Jon’s work on the GB Sabre Style and his support and collaboration with the other ADP Coaches and Weapon Leads has created an aligned tactical framework which will underpin the development of the next generation of fencers across all weapons.

During lockdown Jon took the lead in supporting the community to develop training sessions online via zoom. Jon oversaw delivery of the elite sabre training during lockdown which enabled athletes to continue preparations for Tokyo qualification.

Jon is moving on to work on a new private coaching project, which he will be announcing shortly, but will continue to work closely with BF and will remain a part of the ADP Coach team.

Jon said, “I’ve been privileged to lead the ADP sabre programme for some time now, but I have a new opportunity which I couldn’t turn down, and I felt it was the right time to move on to a new project. I’ve learnt a huge amount working with experts in different fields over the last few years within the ADP structure, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made. I wish the ADP team well as they seek to develop the programme even further, and look forward to working with the team in the future”.

Steve Kemp, Head of Pathways said “Jon is a valued member of the ADP Team and whilst he may step back to undertake other opportunities, his counsel and insights will no doubt be sought, as it was in the development of the GBR Pathway Standards and the adjoining GBR Performance Standards which were both critical in the success of the UK Sport Progression Fund Submissions.  As an ADP Team we wish him well and every success in his new undertaking.”

In the short term, Jon’s administrative responsibilities will be picked up by the ADP executive team pending a wider review of coaching roles in light of planning for the Paris cycle.