Building Independent Athletes Within a Strong Squad Structure

At the Academy, our purpose goes far beyond producing successful competitive results. Our mission is to build independent, accountable young people who thrive in sport and in life and to do that within a professional, values-driven squad structure.

We believe deeply that independence and individuality do not grow in isolation. They grow faster, stronger, and more sustainably when they are nurtured inside a connected community with a shared vision. This is the heart of how Paul Davis Fencing Academy develops athletes.

It’s not just what you get,  it’s who you become.

The Individual Comes First

Every athlete who enters the Academy arrives with their own personality, learning style, motivations, strengths, and challenges. Our system is designed to develop the individual first, encouraging:

• Accountability — athletes take responsibility for preparation, recovery, attitude, and standards

• Independence — learning to think, problem-solve, and self-regulate under pressure

• Confidence — built through ownership, not dependency

• Self-awareness — understanding how effort, choices, and behaviour shape outcomes

These qualities are essential for long-term success in sport but they are even more important for life beyond it.

However, independence does not mean standing alone.

Why Squads Make Individuals Stronger

Our squad structure is intentionally designed to strengthen the individual, not dilute them.

A squad is not just a group training at the same time. At the Academy, a squad is defined by:

• Similar age, gender, and competitive stage

• Aligned goals and ambitions

• A shared appearance, identity, values, and vision

• Full engagement with the Academy Pathway Programme

Within this structure, athletes are encouraged to express their own personalities, styles, and character while committing to something bigger than themselves.

This creates a powerful environment where:

• Standards are reinforced peer-to-peer

• Accountability becomes cultural, not imposed

• Motivation is shared and sustained

• Athletes learn to lead, follow, support, and challenge appropriately

Independence grows faster when young people are surrounded by others who are striving in the same direction.

How We Build This Environment

Our squad culture does not happen by chance. It is the result of a clear, repeatable management system supported by thoughtful recruitment and a strong Academy identity.

Everything we do is built around three principles:

1. Clear Intention

We are explicit about:

• Expectations at every squad level

• What commitment looks like

• How athletes progress

• What behaviours and values matter

Clarity removes confusion. Young athletes thrive when they understand why they are doing something and where it is leading.

2. Connected Thinking

Every part of the Academy system is linked:

• Training connects to competition

• Squads connect to the pathway above and below

• Individual goals connect to squad goals

• Short-term actions connect to long-term development

Athletes learn to think beyond the session in front of them and understand their place within a bigger journey.

3. Collective Action

We act together.

• Squads train together

• Travel together

• Learn together

• Represent the Academy together

This shared action builds belonging, pride, and resilience without removing individuality.

A Clear Squad Development Route

Our pathway is structured, transparent, and progressive:

• Home Squad – foundation habits, enjoyment, identity, and basics

• Travelling Squad – commitment, preparation, and competition exposure

• International Squad – performance behaviours, professionalism, and consistency

• Caps Squad – representation, responsibility, and leadership

• Majors Squad – high-performance standards and pressure environments

• Semi-Professional Athlete – ownership, autonomy, and elite expectations

Each level has clear expectations around training volume, competition opportunities, personal development, and mindset and most importantly, each level links seamlessly to the next.

Progression is not just about results. It is about readiness.

Youth Development in a Professional Structure

What makes the Academy unique is the balance we strike:

• Wholesome youth development

• Professional systems and standards

Athletes are supported, protected, and nurtured but never over-managed. They are taught to:

• Prepare independently

• Reflect honestly

• Take responsibility for choices

• Support others while backing themselves

This combination produces athletes who are not only competitive but grounded, resilient, and capable.

The Outcome That Matters Most

Medals, selections, and rankings matter but they are not the end goal.

The true measure of success is when an athlete leaves the Academy with:

• Strong values

• High standards

• Confidence in themselves

• Respect for others

• The ability to thrive in demanding environments

That is the power of independent athletes built within a strong squad structure.

Because in the end…

It’s not just what you get. It’s who you become.