Fencing
Fencing is a fast and tactical combat sport often described as physical chess. Athletes compete using foil, épée or sabre, aiming to score points by making valid touches against their opponent while avoiding being hit themselves.
The sport welcomes participants of all abilities and backgrounds, combining speed, strategy and precision. Quick decision-making and technical skill are essential components of successful fencing performance.
British Fencing oversees the development and governance of fencing in the UK, supporting clubs, competitions, officials, coaches and athlete pathways.
British Fencing Opportunities for Colleges
Fencing offers colleges a unique opportunity to engage new participants, develop student leaders, and introduce an inclusive activity that can be delivered across a range of settings. Through AoC Sport's partnership with British Fencing, colleges can access training, leadership development opportunities and support to help introduce and grow fencing on campus.
Core Coach
The British Fencing Core Coach course provides an ideal starting point for colleges looking to introduce fencing. Designed for staff and community leaders with no previous fencing experience, the programme equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to deliver safe, engaging swordplay games that introduce the principles of fencing in a fun and positive environment.
Fencing can be an excellent addition to a college sport and enrichment offer, attracting students who may not traditionally engage with sport while providing a fresh and creative activity for existing participants. The course helps colleges build internal capacity to deliver fencing independently and create sustainable opportunities for students.
Benefits of Core Coach
- No previous fencing experience required.
- Train staff to deliver introductory fencing activities.
- Enhance your enrichment and sport offer with a unique activity.
- Engage a wider range of students, including those less interested in traditional sports.
- Access lesson plans and resources to support delivery.
Leadership Through Fencing
Leadership Through Fencing is an innovative programme developed by British Fencing in partnership with the Leadership Skills Foundation. The programme uses practical activities, both fencing-related and non-fencing-related, to develop leadership skills that support young people in education, employment and future career opportunities.
Rather than focusing on technical fencing skills, the programme is designed to help participants develop as leaders, building confidence and transferable skills that can be applied across college life, volunteering and future employment. The programme focuses on five key leadership competencies: communication, confidence, teamwork, organisation and problem solving.
This opportunity aligns particularly well with student ambassador programmes, sports leadership pathways and enrichment activities, giving students practical leadership experience while supporting the development of new sporting opportunities within college.
Leadership Skills Developed
- Communication
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Organisation
- Problem Solving
For colleges involved in the AoC Sport Student Leadership Programme, these skills can complement wider leadership development opportunities and student-led projects.
