GBR SABRE WORKING GROUP

Last Updated: 30th January 2024

From November 2023 , the GBR Sabre programme is overseen by the Athlete Development Team in conjunction with a new Sabre working group (original news post here).

The working group’s purpose is to give direction and support to Sabre development in the GBR Pathway Programme, with identified GBR coaches given specific additional responsibilities.

Consisting of experienced GBR coaches and staff, the working group will be responsible, under the Board-approved Weapon Strategy, for:

• Giving direction and support to the future development of the weapon from Cadet through to Senior level.
• Providing leadership and guidance in the development of the GBR Pathway programme, shaping the deliverables across camps, competitions and other athlete development opportunities (including online education).
• Setting and improving standards at GBR camps and competitions.
• Advising on relevant BF Policy development.
• Supporting delivery of funding body requirements (UK Sport Progression and Sport England Talent).

A full terms of reference can be found here.

Subject matter experts may be appointed to work across the weapon working groups depending on identified need.

The Sabre working group includes:

Coaches:

• Balazs Kurucz
• Jon Salfield
• Fran Whalley
• James Williams

Board Director: Pat Aiyenuro

Facilitator: Steve Kemp

In addition to the working group role the following coaches will be supporting the delivery work of the GBR Pathway Programme as follows:

• Balazs Kurucz – Coaching Junior Women’s Sabre Teams at World Cups
• Fran Whalley (BF Project Officer) – the planning and running of GBR Camps, coordinating with coaches and other support staff to deliver.  Overseeing the EFC Cadet Competitions and the cross weapon adoption of Individual Athlete Development Plans.
• James Williams – Coaching Junior Men’s Sabre Teams at World Cups

Note: the make-up of the working group will be reviewed each season. If you are an GBR coach interested in joining the working group, please read the Terms of Reference and then contact [email protected].