NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NAYC & ACUK AND BF

We’re delighted to announce a new partnership with NAYC (Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs) & ACUK (Action Centres UK).

NAYC (Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs) & ACUK (Action Centres UK) has joined BF’s Licensed Partner Programme (LPP), bringing fencing to a wider audience across the UK. Their staff will be trained via our Core Coach programme, which is designed to connect the activity provider and education sector to the BF Coaching Framework.

The Core Coach programme is an entry-point course that provides delegates with the skills and knowledge to deliver a one-hour taster session or six-hour pre-planned taster programme. Depending on the background of the delegates, the course has a one- or two-day delivery model. Staff are equipped with the skills and confidence to train other staff members to deliver fencing sessions to beginners.

Activity providers can learn more and get in touch about the Core Coach programme here.

Established in 1961, NAYC (Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs) & ACUK (Action Centres UK) is an organisation committed to releasing young people’s potential through leisure activities. Over the years, they have been the forerunners of many initiatives to support young people. The organisation is based in Northampton, but have expanded their horizons to serve more young people across the UK. NAYC & ACUK offers activity residential and day events, conferencing residential and day events, youthwork, and sports.

The organisation consists of:

• Their youthwork association (also known as NAYC) based in Northampton and committed to supporting over 200 youth groups in the local area. Their youthwork association exists to help set up new groups, support existing youth groups, provide training for leaders and resource them to provide a place where young people discover their potential.
• Their sports facilities (King’s Park Sports) serve local people in the Northampton area and also host large national sporting events that attract people from throughout the UK.
• Their dedicated conference centre (King’s Park Conference Centre) provides a residential facility to train and develop leaders, empowering them to lead the next generation.
• Their activity centres (Pioneer in Shropshire and Whitemoor Lakes in Staffordshire) welcome youth groups, schools, charities and faith groups from around the country. Their residential centres give our groups an opportunity to take the adventure of a lifetime whilst learning new skills, building relationships and getting away from the everyday to have plenty of fun.
• Their instructor training gap year programme (Firm Foundations) intends to equip young adults for the outdoor industry whilst developing them into well rounded adults. Their trainee instructors gain industry standard qualifications and learn how to release potential in young people coming through our centres.

Steph McMenemy, from NAYC & ACUK, said:

“We’re excited to work with British Fencing as our values of Honesty, Respect and Excellence are so aligned. We’ll be working with volunteers, instructors, teachers and pupils of all abilities across our centres to promote fencing to a new generation.”

Harry Brown, BF Head of Licensing, added:

“NAYC & ACUK have previously been delivering fencing through BF’s Core Coach course, and I am delighted that we will be progressing this relationship into a stronger official partnership through the Licensed Partner Programme. This will enable Steph to train internal staff members, growing their qualified fencing workforce. I look forward to building a closer working relationship with the NAYC & ACUK team and am excited to see them expand swordplay opportunities across their centres.”

PARTNER WITH US

We want to make physical activity as diverse and inclusive as possible through the world of fencing. If this goal resonates with you, we want to hear from your organisation. Contact Harry Brown, BF Head of Licensing, to see how you can get involved in our unique and exciting sport. Book a call here.

We also offer partnerships with our education-based brand We Are Forging Futures, which brings fencing-based activities to schools and activity centres with a focus on personal development. By tapping into the creative world of fencing and building resilience, young people are inspired to take part in physical activity and get active. Learn more about We Are Forging Futures here.

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