In recent times, the Newcastle University fencing team has made a continuous improvement in all formats of club competition. Currently undefeated in 2011/2012, as well as this year?s cup, league and varsity matches, the men?s first team are flawless role models, demonstrating that the latent success of the club is now set to burst onto the BUCS scene.
The achievement doesn?t stop there, with the women's first team and men's second team also remaining undefeated in the league. ?
?Despite this sterling run of form, it is easy to sight victory and overlook a product of hard work and establishment that has emerged from behind the scenes.
?It is little known that fencing is the best accomplishing performance sport at Newcastle University and receives ongoing support from both the university sports centre and performance sport. It is these people, as well as the coaches, that have sparked a series of dramatic changes within the substructure of the club.
?Both fencing coaches have worked at national level, and graft tirelessly with the individual fencers, meeting regularly on a one-to-one basis. These lessons work on developing unique technique and trying to create more depth for the team both technically and tactically. The first team also receives weekly strength and conditioning training, improving their overall game.
?The recent introduction of a men's third ? and a women's second team has made competition more wide-reaching. The training routine consists of weekly squad sessions, matches and Go Play fencing as well as a Friday beginners class for the less experienced. Additionally, the club has implemented a price reduction at the local community fencing club for any of the student fencers. Accessibility ? a key ingredient in practice and preparation - is a fundamental theme that has been focused upon with colossal effect.
?Other mainstream projects have allowed the club to source the hottest in fencing talent. One example of this is the international summer fencing camp, an event where the university can amply showcase their impressive facilities. Resultantly, the top two Bulgarian under-20 female fencers have joined the university.
?Moreover, this also includes the junior performance squad, which has been developing for around four years. This targets local young talent, supported through coaching, physiotherapy and strength and conditioning with the aim of recruitment into Newcastle University when they go on to choose their academic studies. This has proven to be extremely successful with men?s captain Andrew Dixon joining last year and, similarly, Sam Ridley this year. This guarantees quality international fencers are introduced into the squad annually, already instilled with a loyalty and understanding of the ethos at Newcastle University.
At present, the team has nine fencers who have competed at international level for an assortment of countries; including Great Britain, Bulgaria, Macau, Italy and Germany. The men's first team consists solely of international fencers, all having competed internationally at under 20 level ? a statistic that could not be boasted by many versity teams.
With five athletes on the elite athlete squad and further athletes receiving scholarships and bursaries, the club are aspiring for back-to-back promotions, hoping to reach the premier division having already attained promotion to the first. And, with the club finding the right balance, aiming to maximise BUCS points whilst increasing participation, this seems likely for such a high achieving side.
By David Eastwood
Source: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sport/news/item/first-class-fencing-for-newcastle-s-finest
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