the next level
South Wales Sabre COMPETITOR Development Program
There are many fantastic opportunities in fencing to travel to amazing places and compete with the Welsh or GB squads. To meet people from across the world who share the love of fencing, and experience life as a competitive athlete can build life skills that set you up for the career you choose. These opportunities are available from the age of 12 on the youth circuit, U17 & U20 circuit, as well as Seniors and Veterans.
It does take a fair amount of hard work as you would expect. I believe that everyone is talented, and anyone who puts their mind to it, and the work in, can get there.
As your coach I can offer you the support you need, in training and at competitions, and help build your support network to help you get there. There are no minimum standards of hidden tests, just a promise required to bring all you have, take all you can and grow from every opportunity you get.
Already an experienced fencer and want to find out how to get involved? Drop me an email and we can chat.
So what does training with me at this level look like?
One to one lessons
A recommended 40-60 minutes spread throughout the week if possible. Sessions are designed to encourage you to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and challenge what you think you know.
Goal Setting
Regular sit down chats to discuss where you want to go, and what needs to happen to get there. We focus on improvements in a variety of areas such as tactical, technical, physical, psychological and environment to ensure the process is sound. This is timetabled for twice a year, but we will revisit it often in lessons to ensure we stay on track, and that the track is still taking us where we want to go.
‘Fencing competitively has been the most exhilarating adventure, and I couldn’t have come so far without Fran, who is by far the most dedicated person I have ever met’
- Felix, U17 gb Team
Competition Support
I try my best to attend as many events as I can. At events I am available for warm up support/lessons as well as piste side support. At this level, I am not there feed you answers, the decisions and fight are yours to own, but I will offer guidance and an anchor to keep you in the moment. I can also help ensure that the environment around you is exactly as you need it to perform at your best.
Training Plans
Training for this level is a high commitment. You may only see me for a few hours a week, but the effort you make outside of that is what makes you go from good, to great. I can help structure your training around other activities, including school, exams, other sports or interests, but ultimately it is down to the athlete to make sure it’s stuck to.
Mindfulness
Athletes that can train their mind like they train their body can push themselves to another level of potential.
This is embedded into training, with additional support from professionals worked into training throughout the year.
‘Fencing for my country is both an honor and a great opportunity to travel to so many amazing places and meet so many people’
-Erin Corcoran, U20 GB team
A Culture of Care
Coaches are often thought of as always shouting, always angry when you lose, and punish mistakes with fitness exercises. This is not how I coach.
I am firm, but I care about my fencers and their development. I’m with you for the highs and lows. I will let you make mistakes, but I will guide you to the answers. I’ve got your back, and will ensure those around you know best how to support you. I will give you honesty, even when you don’t want to hear it, but at appropriate times and with your own feelings in mind.
I will hold you accountable for your training, but promise to match your effort with my own. I will trust in your decisions as a fencer on the piste. We will laugh, we will cry, and we will work. Sport is not easy when you chose to do it at a high level, but the rewards are many.
Other Professionals
Links to Personal Trainers to help you get the most out of your fitness training.
Recommendations for physiotherapists with experience working with fencers
Recommendations for sports psychologists should you need a bit of extra help with mindfulness training
