About US
Fran Whalley (Head Coach)
Trained under Fencing Master and head of FIE coach education Janos Pop in Budapest, Hungary, as well as multiple high level coaches in the UK.
The most successful Sabre fencing coach in Wales with numerous National champions and National team fencers at all levels and ages.
Welsh National coach for high level events including Cadet and Junior Commonwealth Championships 2018.
Coach on the British Fencing Athlete Development Program.
Coach to GB athletes on the cadet (U17) and junior (U20) squads.
Qualified L3 Team Manager with International Experience.
First Aid and Safeguarding Training.
DBS cleared.
FIE Diploma Coaching Sabre (In partnership with Budapest University).
Level 3 Teaching Assistant.
BA Hons Performing Arts.
South Wales Sabre was founded in 2020 and is my adventure to change the dynamic of Sabre fencing in Wales. Having previously only been focused in the Capitol as part of a Cardiff based business, I am keen to develop this sport through a larger area of South Wales, starting in my home town of Swansea. As a freelance coach I hope to team up with existing clubs to engage more people into the sport, and offer opportunities to reach the level required for International selection. I am keen to develop people, as athletes, coaches, or just give them a new level of fitness. Fencing has something for everyone and my passion is to show people these possibilities and unlock their potential.
Learn more about my coaching Style here
Erin Corcoran (Level 2 Coach)
Erin is a successful international fencer for GB and Wales. Since starting fencing in 2012, She has many successes under her belt including Representation at Cadet Junior European Championships, Cadet and Junior Commonwealth Fencing Championships, and numerous medals from Domestic events including 3rd at the British U17 and U20 championships, and U18 British Champion in 2019. Erin has also been the Senior Welsh Champion for the last 4 years.
Her coaching journey began in 2016 when she was looking to give back and help along some younger fencers. Enjoying it from the beginning, Erin passed her Level 1 exam with flying colors in 2018 at the age of 16. Erin was finally able to take her level 2 exam in July 2021 having been delayed a year by Covid.
A capable and nurturing coach, Erin provides encouragement and praise to those she works with, and draws on the wealth of her personal experience as a fencer to better enhance her coaching.
Erin is available for one to one lessons, and sparring feedback sessions in Cardiff.
Dylan Galazka (Level 1 coach)
Dylan began fencing in 2011 at the age of 7. Enjoying the fast pace and tactical challenges he quickly gravitated towards one to one lessons in the hope of being able to compete and win shiny medals.
Since then Dylan has grown into a formidable athlete who is very focused on his fitness and mental strength. He enjoys challenges and is highly competitive with his peers.
He has represented GBR at U20 & U17 level, and Wales at Senior and U18 both nationally and internationally, and is the current Welsh Senior Champion.
His big personality and fast fencing style has meant that he is looked up to by fencers that he trains with. However, when coaching his nurturing and patient side comes out, and he strives to get the best out of those who are taken under his wing. He enjoys finding potential in fencers and helping them harness and use that to their advantage.
Dylan has completed his Level one Introduction to Fencing Coaching and hopes to continue to his Level 2 when he reached 18. For now he helps out at club sessions and holiday courses, as well as partaking in regular coach education both at club and organised courses.