Between the 28th and 30th December 2023, BF will run its third Athlete Development experience camp for wheelchair fencers as part of the Athlete Development Programme (ADP).
The three day camp will be run alongside the standing fencing at the David Ross Sports Village/University of Nottingham, and will build upon the work of the previous camp as well as serve as a training opportunity for those preparing for the Cardiff World Cup in January.
Is this experience for me?
As with the previous ADP wheelchair experiences there are currently no specific selection criteria for participants and you do not need to have attended any previous camps in order to come to this one. We ask that you come prepared to work hard over the weekend and use it as an opportunity to meet and network with other wheelchair fencers. The experience will cater to all weapons, and fencers will be supported to explore disciplines other than their primary weapon should they choose.
While this camp will have an element of preparation for high level competition the skills we explore will be applicable to all fencers, regardless of their experience, and will benefiting them at training or in competition.
What happens on an ADP camp?
Fencers will have the opportunity to take part in sparring sessions as well as dedicated tactical workshops exploring elements of their competitive game. We will be using this experience to build on previous camps’ work on movement within the fencing chair, and how fencers can exploit this movement to their tactical advantage.
We will continue to support fencers in creating their own warm up routines for training and competition, incorporating ideas from the World Class Programme to ensure fencers are self sufficient and resilient in their preparation for fencing, regardless of their level of experience.
Outside of fencing, there will be workshops with mentors from the True Athlete Project (www.thetrueathleteproject.org) who will help fencers explore aspects of the sport off the piste and provide them with tools to enhance their fencing experience.
The camp will be staffed by British Fencing ADP coaches Nathaniel Lewis and Glen Golding who have experience working with wheelchair fencers in their own clubs, as well as in competitions and as part of the World Class Progamme. There will also be input from IWAS referee Chris Farren who will be on hand to brief fencers about higher level competition.
Where will the camp be held?
The event will be held at the David Ross Sports Village, part of Nottingham University (Map HERE). Fencers will be able to make use of the state-of-the-art facilities on the campus and train alongside fencers from the standing ADP, joining them in athlete support sessions and exploring joint training opportunities.
Main access to the sports complex is here (https://w3w.co/seat.giant.woof); this will be used as the main entrance and exit each day. Accessible parking can be found here (https://w3w.co/nets.cycles.loyal), on the left past the main entrance.
Timings
December 28th – 1030 check in for 1100 start
December 29th – 0900 check in for 0930 start
December 30th – 0900 check in for 0930 start
Training will finish each evening by 1700 unless otherwise stated.
What should I bring?
Food
There is a café on site selling hot food and drink during the daytime, but fencers are welcome to bring their own food if they wish. Food will be provided in the morning and evening for those staying at the official accommodation, but we recommend that all fencers bring snacks for breaks in training.
Equipment
If you have any questions or support needs regarding the below please get in touch; we will be able to source kit and chairs if required, but please let us know as soon as possible in advance. In particular, if you have your own fencing chair we ask that you bring it along so you can train with the most familiar equipment and allow loaner chairs to be distributed to those who need them the most.
Accommodation
Rooms in the university halls will be available for the evenings of 28th and 29th December at the athlete’s expense; there are a very limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms in these halls which have been modified to include lowered bathrooms facilities, wet rooms/seated showers, and widened doors. These rooms will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis through the Sport80 camp invite. If you do not require a wheelchair accessible room but would still like to stay in the on-site accommodation this option will likewise be available through Sport80.
Further accessible accommodation is available in nearby hotels including;
The Orchard
https://nottinghamvenues.com/bedrooms-accommodation/rooms-orchard-hotel
Travelodge Wollaton Park
https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/474/Nottingham-Wollaton-Park-hotel
Premier Inn Nottingham Castle Marina
These hotels have handrails, lowered beds and facilities, and in some cases wet rooms rather than baths. If you have queries about the exact provision we suggest that you contact the hotels directly to discuss your needs.
How do I sign up?
Invitations have been sent out using Sport80; please make sure your communication preferences are updated to receive messages from British Fencing. If you have yet to receive an invite and would like to attend please use the questions/concerns form below.
If you have any questions or concerns about the camp, including suitability, accommodation, or camp content please click here.
To learn more about British Fencing’s ADP project as a whole, please click here.
Last edited 14/11/2023
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