On 8th-9th June 2026, BF brought pathway coaches together to reflect on the season, share learning, and identify opportunities to strengthen the GBR Pathway.
The GBR Junior and Cadet coaches season review and planning day – held at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre on 8th-9th June 2026 – brought together a broad mix of experienced and emerging coaches to review the 2025–26 season and help shape future priorities. The two-day event created space for open discussion, shared learning, and practical planning, with strong engagement and positive momentum throughout.
A key success was the level of attendance and diversity in the room. The presence of new faces alongside established GBR coaches reflected growing engagement across the pathway, and also highlighted progress in building trust and communication. Coaches contributed actively across sessions, with many demonstrating a clear willingness to take forward ideas discussed over the two days.
The event also marked an important step in strengthening relationships between coaches, the GBR Pathway team, and the wider community. Conversations were constructive and forward-looking, with a noticeable shift towards shared ownership and responsibility. This was evident in how coaches not only contributed their own perspectives, but also challenged and supported each other to raise collective standards.
The first was athlete ownership. Coaches highlighted the value of athlete-led camps, structured reviews, and competition planning tools that help fencers take greater responsibility for their own development.
A second major theme was culture and team identity. Strong examples were shared of athletes supporting one another, senior fencers mentoring younger athletes, and squads developing a healthier sense of collective purpose.
The group also discussed the need for clearer communication across the system. This includes better alignment between national coaches, personal coaches, clubs, parents, and athletes so that everyone understands the purpose of each stage of the pathway.
Another important theme was using data well. Video analysis, performance tracking, and emerging AI tools were seen as valuable opportunities, provided they support coaching judgment rather than replace it.
The final theme was transition. Coaches identified key moments where athletes need better support, particularly when moving from cadet to junior, junior to senior, and from school to university.
Overall, the session showed a pathway that is growing in maturity. The challenge now is to turn these insights into practical actions: clearer standards, stronger learning loops, better coach collaboration, and a culture where athletes are supported to take ownership of their journey.
BF will continue working with coaches, clubs, athletes, and parents to build a more connected, transparent, and performance-focused pathway.
In addition, opportunities were identified to collaborate more effectively with clubs and international camps, ensuring the wider system works together to support athlete development.
There was strong agreement that this session should become an annual fixture. Planning has already begun for 2027, with a commitment to build on this year’s progress and deliver even greater clarity, impact, and collaboration.
Success next year will be measured by clearer coaching roles, more consistent communication, and visible progress on the priorities identified. Importantly, maintaining momentum and demonstrating that coach feedback leads to action will be key to sustaining engagement.
The Bisham event provided a valuable platform to align thinking, strengthen relationships, and move forward together. It marks the start of an ongoing conversation and a positive step in developing the GBR coaching community.
This post is related to the BF 2030 Strategy goal to Deliver GBR success. You can read more about the Strategy here.
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