BF recently hosted dozens of PGL instructors for a national two-day coaching refresher event, as part of our partnership with PGL.
On 18th-19th November 2025, BF hosted a national refresher training event for PGL instructors. It took place at PGL’s Liddington site in Swindon, and brought together instructors from PGL activity centres across the country.
The event is part of BF’s annual re-licensing process for PGL, BF’s Official Have-A-Go Partner. The training allows PGL staff to become licensed coach developers, who can then deliver BF’s introductory Core Coach training to their activity centres across the UK. You can read about last year’s event here.
The training was delivered by BF’s Fencing Development Team, including Neil Brown, Ev Van Gemeren and Beth Cranston-Selby. Over the two days, the team provided a tailored learning experience to PGL instructors in order to develop their coaching skills. This included both the practical elements of coaching and an emphasis on questioning, reflection and peer-to-peer feedback.
Instructors were given an overview of the course booking process by Olivia Harper, who recently joined the BF team as our Commercial Officer. Rick Rodgers, BF Inclusion Manager (Disability), also delivered a Coaching Neurodiversity CPD course on the second day of the event.
Afterwards, Neil said:
“Great to be back with PGL coaches and coach developers after another year. This is the ninth year of our partner agreement with PGL and we’re very happy with the way the programme has developed over the years. The ability to get all of the fencing coaches together every year is a real strength and a testament to PGL’s support of BF’s standards.”
Since the partnership began, over 3,000 PGL instructors have been trained to delivery introductory fencing activities. Almost 100,000 people were introduced to fencing in 2024 alone, and more young people have continue to learn fencing throughout 2025. These figures make PGL the largest provider of introductory fencing experiences in the UK, helping to introduce the world of fencing to more people at their holiday camps and centres. Many members of our community have been introduced to fencing through PGL, including fencers who have gone on to represent GBR at European and World Championships events.
Alan Everall, Activity Instructors and Group Leaders (AIGL) Team Leader at PGL Caythorpe Court, said:
“Every re-validation course is a chance for everyone to get together and refine our skills, support each other, and raise the standard of what we deliver at PGL with the help of BF. Fencing at PGL turns challenge into confidence, teaching guests and colleagues to think fast, stay calm, and believe in their own potential. At PGL, fencing gives young people a chance to discover focus, confidence and courage – one lunge at a time.”
Photos from the event are available to view via the BF Digital Portal here.
We want to make physical activity as diverse and inclusive as possible through the world of fencing. If this goal resonates with you, we want to hear from your organisation. Contact Harry Brown, BF Head of Partnerships, to see how you can get involved in our unique and exciting sport. Book a call here.
We also offer partnerships with our education-based brand We Are Forging Futures, which brings fencing-based activities to schools and activity centres with a focus on personal development. By tapping into the creative world of fencing and building resilience, young people are inspired to take part in physical activity and get active. Learn more about We Are Forging Futures here.
Don’t miss the latest news. Subscribe to our weekly summary email, The Fencing Digest, featuring the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.
