BF presents whole-person, socially-conscious approach to performance

BF and The True Athlete Project share work with Sport England and other National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs).

On Thursday 24th September, Sam Parfitt and Laurence Halsted from The True Athlete Project (TAP), and Steve Kemp from BF, shared their recent learning and current development with Sport England and other National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs).

TAP runs mindfulness-based, socially-conscious programmes for coaches and athletes of all sports, and at all levels, from grassroots to Olympians. Through its working relationship with TAP, supported by Sport England and UK Sport, BF is integrating a socially conscious approach into our work. Elements of this include:

• Free online workshops for BF members on mindfulness and athlete identity
• BF staff workshops on developing compassionate communication
• A mentoring programme connecting our senior athletes with the next generation, supported by the Aspiration Fund
• TAP sessions for coaches and fencers at Athlete Development Programme (ADP) camps

The presentation to Sport England provided an opportunity to share updates on the working relationship between BF and TAP, and discuss some of the ways in which a whole-person, socially conscious approach is benefitting us as an organisation and filtering into all aspects of our fencing community.

The session included:

• What is and isn’t ‘mindfulness’ and how it relates to performance.
• BF and TAP’s aligned beliefs in the value of human potential and the individual’s unique needs.
• The challenges of the ‘moving labyrinth’ – busy ADP camps, different people,  people at different stages and the stigma that is often linked to mental health and wellbeing.
• The continual honest and open reflection on the programme between Sam, Steve and Laurence.

Steve Kemp, BF Head of Pathways said, “We were delighted to share our experiences, learning and development with Sport England and the other NGBs. It was definitely thought-provoking and opportunities like this are helping the paradigm shift towards the whole person and non-linear development.”

Over the next few months, we will be sharing more about elements of The True Athlete Project’s approach to mindfulness, mentoring and athlete development.

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