Youth Development
Elite Programme
Future Trailblazers 2016
Future Trailblazers was created in 2016 as part of the Fencing Ireland’s Youth Programme.
Established to both develop the sport but also to create a future pipeline of fencers. It seeks to develop the skills and talents of young Irish fencers, with the aim of achieving international representation and success.
The objective of the Future Trailblazers is to:
Complement club training and further enhance fencers that show commitment and talent with the long term goal of representing Ireland in competitions appropriate to their age and skillset.
Provide training in fencing skills, blade management, fitness, nutrition and competition psychology to represent one’s country should be seen as a privilege, rather than an automatic right.
Fencing Ireland understands that it is difficult for fencers and parents who are relatively new to the sport to be able to access dependable and sound advice about the best pathway to achieve success.
Fencing Ireland wants young fencers to maximise their potential, have positive experiences and stay in the sport, so that they will continue to develop to become successful senior fencers. It is expected that the best of them will seek international representation and win medals at World Cup events.
The objective of Fencing Ireland Elite Development for the fencer is:
- Provide young people with the best possible sporting experience
- Encourage life long and active participation in fencing
- Foster supportive environments for enjoyable participation in a variety of physical activities, through the development of skills and good sporting behaviour
- Encourage the allocation of appropriate and safe resources and facilities
- Ensure equal opportunities for all young people to participate in fencing
- Actively cater for talented young fencers
- Demonstrate a consistent and coordinated approach to junior fencing in Ireland
Participation in Fencing is characterised by:
- A safe, healthy and challenging sporting environment
- A level of competition commensurate with age, maturity and ability
- A broad development program preceding specialization in any particular skill
- The recognition of participation, development and improvement
- The influence of role models who are good ambassadors for fencing and who practice appropriate behaviour in the view of junior fencers
- An emphasis on enjoyment of the sport
Trailblazer Selection
Entry to Future Trailblazers is by invitation only following an assessment based on nomination by the prospective candidate’s coach; any fencer between the ages of 8 and 20 can be selected based on prerequisite training outcomes and competition results within the 32 counties.
Future Trailblazers will be selected on an annual basis and membership reviewed mid-season. Assessments will take place twice yearly, in September and January. No canvassing on behalf of any applicant is permitted.
Selection criteria include:
Completion of Fencing Certifications
Competition results within the 32 counties
Written and signed nomination by club coach with reasoning behind nomination and open to query by the Fencing Ireland selection committee
Candidates can only be nominated twice for assessment in the fencing year (Sept and Jan)
Fencing assessment is by the coach selection team (not including in the fencer’s own club coach)
Fencers must have an Irish Fencing Licence
Earning that privilege requires considerable hard work and commitment on the part of the athlete as well as from those supporting the athlete.
Fencers representing Ireland will be proposed to the Fencing Ireland selectors by the Fencing Ireland Junior Development committee only.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR CLUB COACH