Welsh Fencing will be adopting a new coaching strategy to help meet the needs of the coaching community and, in turn, the fencers they serve.
You can find a VMOST summary of our objectives in the coaching downloads, here:
The practical outcomes of these objectives is that coach education in Wales will be delivered through a combination of assessment courses, coaching seminars, and individual mentoring.
Assessment Courses
Welsh Fencing will offer regular BF coaching courses for level 1 (ITCF) and 2 candidates. These will be promoted in advance and initial open only to Welsh Fencing members. Through these courses WF will broaden its base of grass roots coaches, facilitating an expansion of the sport in the region. These courses will also act as access qualifications for people seeking to coach at a more advanced level. Please see the WF calendar for upcoming courses.
Coaching Seminars
Regular group seminars will for the backbone of coach education delivery, offering new and established coaches the opportunity to share skills, ideas and information in order to raise the standard of coaching in the region as a whole. Rather than be tied to a single location or educator, these seminars will be hosted by volunteer clubs across the region, and lead by a selection of educators to ensure the breadth of experience and expertise offered is maximized. The format will be one of cooperation and support, with sessions catered to the needs of the participants. There are also plans to engage non-fencing educators to offer guidance in topics such as strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition etc, all of which are important for coaches to be familiar with when dealing with more advanced students. Please see the WF calendar for details of upcoming coach seminars.
Individual Mentoring
Long term the goal is to establish a network of coach mentors across the region who are happy to work with aspiring coaches to develop their skills. The list of current mentors can be found here (if you feel you are in a position to act as a mentor, please get in touch). This will provide coaches with opportunities for more regular feedback and practice between coaching seminars.
Current Mentors
- Peter Russell
In addition to this internal structure, Welsh Fencing is keen to encourage coaches to seek further development opportunities both domestically and internationally. You can keep in touch with upcoming UK wide courses and seminars on the BF website here: http://britishfencing.com/courses/upcoming-courses/
We would also encourage coaches to join our social media groups on facebook here, where you can stay up to date with courses, events and articles.
Again if you have any questions please contact Mr Peter Russell (Coach Education Coordinator) - peter.russell@welshfencing.org.