CLUB PATHWAY
FINDING YOUR EDGE
At Swordkids, we recognise the importance of taking a athlete centred approach to guiding fencers through their sporting journey.
A keystone is managing progression over the long term in order to have the best chance of fulfiling potential. To give fencrs the best chance of success, Swordkids fencer have the chance to attend fencing sessions at Shakespeare's Sword fencing club in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the club provides a quality coaching and training environment, its organisational support and structured training programmes allow our athletes to become the best versions of themselves on the fencing piste.

ONE STEP AT A TIME
Swrodkids Fencer Pathway provides each fencer with a training plan & competition calendar.
The pathway operates both on a continuous competition by competition basis, and over the course of the whole fencing season. This allows fencers and parents to have clear visibility going into the season, whilst retaining flexibility as the year progresses

Step 1
Identify Needs
The Pathway Manager and Coaches identify competitions appropriate for each fencer based on age, attitude & behaviour, experience, engagement in training, qualification requirements, external factors such as exams, and previous results data. For fencers travelling with international squads, we place great emphasis on managing competition load in order to minimise injury risk, avoid mental burnout over a long season and maximise training opportunities during key developmental years.

Step 4
Coach Assignment and Logistical Organisation
Based on the fencers going to specific events and taking into account simultaneous events, the Academy Director and Pathway Manager assign Coaching staff to events, manage logistics in terms of travel, accommodation etc. Where it is necessary for fencers to borrow fencing equipment from the Academy, we will organise fittings and kit collection at training sessions at the Combat Centre the week leading into any nominated competition so that fencers have everything they need for the competition ahead of time

Step 2
Communicate & Enter
Parents are informed of competition nomination selections by direct email from the Pathway Manager and asked to register for events via the Academy Competitions Page https://www.teampdfa.co.uk/fencingcompetitions Entries are then bulk processed on Sport80 by the Academy. This system helps ensure that all our athletes are correctly entered on-time for nominated events, especially those with entry caps. Our event tickets include event coaching fees so there will only be one charge per competition. We also process yearly British Fencing, EuroFencing and FIE licenses for athletes through our website so that our athletes always have the correct competitive licenses and insurance cover for specific events.

Step 5
Competition Day
Leading up to any nominated competition, the Pathway Manager will send out detailed information about the event, including arrival times, equipment requirements and instructions for fencers. On the day of competitions, fencers register with the event coaches upon arrival, before a structured coach-led warm-up ahead of the competition start. Coaching prioritisation is communicated and the competition plans are reviewed so all fencers have a clear vision of their fencing objectives for the day. Coaches provide piste-side support where possible and are available to help fencers prepare for individual matches between rounds, as well as offering pastoral care throughout the competition.

Step 3
Structuring Training
In order to best prepare for important competitions, the Coaches and Pathway manager discuss and implement any specific tactical, technical and/or physical requirements for individual fencers/squads, and training is structured around key qualification and Championship events. Where external support, such as specialist sports psychology or physiotherapy is required, the Academy staff are able to provide recommendations for professionals who have previously worked with successful fencers.

Step 6
Data Collection, Analysis and Feedback
Using the Ophardt portal, competition video, ranking changes and fencer+coach feedback, a wide range of quantitative and qualitative data is collected for analysis by the Coaches and Pathway Manager. This data is then used to inform competition and training needs on an ongoing basis. Fencers are encouraged to seek feedback from their coaches following competitions, and lessons after a competition will typically begin with a debrief of the event. As part of taking ownership of their own training, more experienced fencers are expected to voice when they feel there is something specific they would like to improve with their coaches, and undertake self-analysis of their fencing using the analysis tools the Academy provides.

TRUST THE PROCESS
We know Fencers develop and progress at different times and with the right support structure our Members have proven themselves on the competitive stage. Competitions are not for everyone and there is so much to do as part of our Academy. But if you wish to compete, your Fencer will progress with the Academy, with the focus on a podium finish at the National and International Championships.
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ACADEMY PROGRAMME
Our Academy training programmes are designed by experts in their field of Fencing. Our coaches have proven track records of nurturing, developing and supporting athletes from grass roots to the World Championships. The sessions are delivered by passionate and highly experienced Academy coaches.
As part of the development and competition pathways, the Academy has five youth squads that represent various steps on our fencers’ journeys of personal growth as both athletes and people. Fencing is a combat sport, and competitive play is a key part of developing as a fencer that teaches valuable life skills alongside fencing skills.Whilst not everyone may hold aspirations of representing their country internationally, we strongly encourage Fencers who join the academy to compete as members of our squads, beginning with our Home Squad.
As part of the development and competition pathways, the Academy has five youth squads that represent various steps on our fencers’ journeys of personal growth as both athletes and people. Fencing is a combat sport, and competitive play is a key part of developing as a fencer that teaches valuable life skills alongside fencing skills.Whilst not everyone may hold aspirations of representing their country internationally, we strongly encourage Fencers who join the academy to compete as members of our squads, beginning with our Home Squad.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Academy Coaching Team selects Fencers for the Squads based on a set criteria. The selections can be made throughout the season and Fencers can progress onto the Home and Travelling Squads throughout the season. If your Fencer is aspiring to level up, there are certain things that can be considered to support the progression.
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Criteria fo Selection
Attitude to Training
Commitment to the Academy
Competition Performance
Setting Personal Goals
Performance Trajectory
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LEVELLING UP STAGES
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Academy Fencer to Home Squad
This is an exciting time as the Start of your competitive journey. You will have an Explorer Membership or part of a School Fenicng Club. To progress onto the Home squad the following steps should be considered:
You have been Fencing 2 Terms at the Academy
You now have your Academy Kit (tshirt)
You have experienced Eletric Fencing
You are interested in tkaing part in a competition
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Home Squad to Travelling Squad
Fencers looking to progress to the Travelling Squad are on the Development or Compete Membership, they have British Fenicng insurance and have competed at 3 local competitions. Their training has been focused and they are driven to continually improve.
You should be enquring about 1:1 lessons with your weapon coach
You are regularly attending Academy camps
You have your own Fencing equipment or starting to own parts of the equipment
you have thought about your Fencing goals
You have the Full Academy Kit (tracksuit, Tshirt, socks)
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Travelling Squad to International Squad
The Academy nominates competitions that are vitial to obtain the rankings points needed to be in a postition to get selected to represent your Country. As a Fencer you are on the Performance membership and having 1:1 lessons. You have been competing for at least 1 season and have your personal goals. International selection is available for U14, U17 and U20 Fencers.
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U13/U14
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U17/U20
TRAVELLING SQUADS
Sabre 2023
These athletes are highly competitive and have potenital to make the England and Great Britain Team for internationals. As the Travelling Squad these athletes will attend the nominated events across the UK to represent the Academy and collect national ranking points.
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U11/U12
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U13/U14
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U17/U20
HOME SQUADS
Sabre 2023
These athletes are at the develomental stage of their Competition journey. They are either young in their cateogry or new to the competition circuit. Athletes from this group could be moved to the Travelling Squad during the season based on their results or performances. These athlete will represent the Academy and enjoy the experience of being part of the Team and working towards a national ranking. It might not happen immediately but starting the journey is the key to success
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U11/U12
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U17/U20
FOIL SQUAD
2023
These athletes are at the develomental stage of their Competition journey. They are either young in their cateogry or new to the competition circuit. Athletes from this group could be moved to the Travelling Squad during the season based on their results or performances. These athlete will represent the Academy and enjoy the experience of being part of the Team and working towards a national ranking. It might not happen immediately but starting the journey is the key to success
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YOUTH SQUAD
SQUAD ADMIN
Process for being on the Squad
Athletes will be informed of the nominated events by the Academy.
Athletes enter the event via the Hertfordshire Combat Centre Link. The Academy staff will bulk enter athletes to the event.
The event fee includes the Coaching Fees. We will endeavour to have Coaches will be there for all athletes and there will not be an equal amount of time between athletes at every competition even though all athletes will be part of the squad.
Athletes represent the Academy as PDFA
Athletes will wear the Team colours and fightware during the competition - Tracksuit, tshirt, socks
Athletes will attend the competition as a Squad and stay and support their team mates.
At Coach attended events - On the day Parents will register the athletes with the designated coaches and enjoy the competition as a spectator if they wish to attend the competition
For the Travelling Team the Academy will look to organise Transport where viable. Drop off and collection will be form the Hertfordshire Combat Centre. the Transport Fee will be included in the Entry Fee.
Athletes will approach the competitions in a professional and mature mindset to ensure they make the most of the opportunities.
Athletes will be proud of the Team they are part of.
For Internaional Competitions there will be compulsory Team meetings to plan the trip.
Fencers will agree to the Academy Fencer's Code of Conduct