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The Academy Journey
Home Squad
This is the first step on the Academy Development Pathway once an athlete joins the Academy from our Schools Network or introductory courses. Athletes are able to join the Home Squad ahead of their first competition. At this stage, athletes are still exploring the sport of sabre fencing. Athletes joining the Home Squad are expected to own an Academy Top, and athletes at this stage are able to compete at Sabre Super League events and locally hosted youth events. Home Squad athletes receive the Academy Welcome pack, a personalised competition calendar, and parental access to the Home Squad WhatsApp group.
Travelling Squad
The next step on the Development Pathway is the Travelling Squad. Athletes become eligible for the Travelling Squad once they have competed at a minimum of three local events, and own full electric sabre equipment. Travelling Squad athletes are able to compete at UK domestic events, such as LPJS events, BRCs, BYC Qualifiers & Championships. Travelling Squad athletes may be considered for 1:1 tuition with coaches. Travelling Squad athletes are expected to compete at a minimum of 4 domestic events per season.
International Squad
Selection for the International Squad is a major milestone for Academy youth athletes. Athletes who are selected for one of the Academy Youth International Trips, such as Challenge Wratislavia or a Riposta Circuit event are promoted to this squad. Selection for these events is based on a number of factors: coach assessment, training time, mental maturity and competition results. International Squad athletes are expected to be taking regular 1:1s with an Academy Coach, as well as continuing to represent the Academy abroad. U14+ athletes in the International Squad are expected to maintain Pathway Individual Athlete Plans (PIAPS) and their Academy Training Logbooks. International Squad athletes are expected to compete at at least 1 foreign competition per phase, as well as reccomended domestic events.
Caps Squad
The Caps Squad is our squad for those athletes selected to represent their country at U17 (Cadet) level and above. Athletes previously selected at this level who are not currently competing internationaly (due to aging out of U17, for example) will have their position in the squad reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Pathway Team. Caps Squad Fencers are expected to regularly represent the Academy abroad and domestically based on their agreed season plans, recieve regular 1:1s, maintain PIAPS and Academy Training Logbooks, engage constructively with NGB requirements (such as attendance at BF Pathway Camps), and train to a high standard and volume. Caps Squad athletes benefit from Pathway competition debriefs, access to S&C support, and consideration for additional mentoring.
Championships Squad
The Championships Squad provides additional support for those Caps Squad athletes selected for a Major Championships (Zonals or Worlds) in their age category. These athletes enjoy additional competition support, Pathway mentoring, and access to additional training.
Semi-Pro Athletes
Upon the recomendation of the coaches, certain athletes competing at senior level may be offered the opportunity to receive addtional support through the Academy Semi-Pro Contracts. This allows athletes to access the professional and financial support necessary to focus on performance at the highest levels of international senior competitions, as well as receive training and experience pursuing coaching qualifications. These athletes represent the best of the Academy's values, and have a track record of dedication to training, supporting teammates and undertaking leadership roles in the Academy.
The Competition Pathway
The Academy Competitions Pathway provides each fencer in our squads with a competition calendar and training plan; and by helping fencers and parents navigate the wide range of competition opportunities available and bringing the registration process in-house, allows the Academy to ensure that individual fencers are provided with competition opportunities of an appropriate level and volume for their age, development and competitive goals.
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 Team 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 Pathway Team assign Coaching staff to events, manage logistics in terms of travel, accommodation etc. Where it is necessary for Home Squad 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 Administrator, as well as regular updates to individual calendars 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 Administrator 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 Team 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.
Step 6
Data Collection, Analysis and Feedback
Using 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 Administrator. 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.