GB Junior (U20) International Programme

In order to best support GB athletes in their goals of winning Junior World Championship medals, British Fencing are committed to delivering a consistent, accountable programme of international competitive opportunities.  These opportunities will be based on strong performance principles, underpinned by access to a programme of training and support for identified athletes.  (i.e. British Fencing want to give all athletes travelling as part of the GB Junior Squads a good quality experience at the right competitions, focused on achieving results, and where appropriate backed up with additional training and support.)

To support this goal, delivery of the GB Junior (U20) International Programme will now move under the umbrella of the World Class Programme (WCP), specifically Talent.

This move will be supported by additional resource, including a new Head Coach for the Talent Programmes and a Coaching Development Manager.  There will also be additional investment in workforce training, education and development, (including Team Managers and Referees,) to increase the effectiveness of the programmes.

The following activities will now be the responsibility of the WCP Talent Team:

–       Junior Calendar Management (including domestic selection tournaments)

–       Junior World Cup Nominations

–       Selection for Junior World Cups, European and World Championships.  (Selection for major championships and associated policies will be approved by the Performance Director and WCP Head Coaches.)

–       Selection, training and development of staff & volunteer support (e.g. Team Managers, Squad Coaches

Weapon Coordinators will act as support to the Talent led programmes, advising where appropriate on selection of athletes and workforce and providing a link to the International Cadet programme.

There will be a member of the Referees Committee (RefCom) assigned to manage the interface with RefCom Junior World Cup referee selection process and the Referee Pathway Scheme.

Clare Halsted, Chair IYC, will work with the WCP programme to ensure that all previously held IYC responsibilities in this area are successfully transferred to the new structure.