ACTIVE PEOPLE SURVEY SHOWS FENCING DECLINE

Today the results of the Sport England Active People Survey (APS) 10 Q2 results were released, covering the period Apr 2015/Mar 16. More information can be found here.

This shows a decrease from last year in the number of people in England participating for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity at least once a week in Fencing.*

Over the last few years fencing results have fluctuated. A significant increase was demonstrated from APS 7 (10,000 people fencing in 2012/13) to APS 8 (21,700 people fencing in 2013/14).

APS 10 suggests 10,500 people fenced for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity at least once a week in 2015/16.

However, we must remember that due to a smaller number of people taking part in our sport (compared to other Sport England funded sports) and due to sample size of APS, this result on its own is not a significant cause for concern in our sport. We remain fully committed to our new strategy to increase participation in fencing, which is already delivering positive results.  Through British Fencing programmes, supported by England Fencing, more than 2000 new young people have been introduced directly to the sport of fencing since July 2015 by working in partnership with over 30 new community delivery partners.

Despite the figures showing a decline, Gabby Williams, Development Director for British Fencing is positive about the new initiatives being implemented, saying; “These figures do not take into account the increase in participation that has resulted from our most recent initiatives with the Scouts Association, London Youth, BUCS, Leisure Operators and Maslaha (through our Muslims Girls Fence project).  Whilst we have to acknowledge them, I strongly believe that our new projects, which have taken a different approach to anything before, will continue to drive participation.”

*The figures presented are designated Official Statistics. A description of the Active People Survey can be found here.