Nigel Leavesley

Hi , I first learned to fence at school & still remember the the thrill of winning medals at a regional level. I have continued to fence throughout my life & maintained a top 100 foil ranking (peaking at 64)for 5 years in my competitive days . I always helped to run , coach & develop fencers wherever I have been , these days at Wingerworth where I felt privileged to be asked to be chairman. I love to see fencers of all ages grow in their abilities & confidence from complete beginners to seasoned successful competitors . I think the biggest thrill in coaching is to guide a young nervous shy child on their fencing journey to be a fully competent & perhaps competitive fencer who in turn helps the next generation to do the same . Alongside this I also still love to support fencers at competitions & help guide them & their families along the way . In November 2022 I accepted the role of Treasurer for East Midland Region & also now coach at our regional training days . In addition to this I have recently been delivering plastic & metal fencing sessions in some S.E.N.D schools , it can be challenging but it's one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Linked to this I deliver taster sessions at local HAF camps both in Sheffield and for Chesterfield FC Community Trust where I also work as a multisport coach. In November 2023 I was asked if I could take over running Sheffield Hallam Fencing Club based at The Mercia school. The previous coach was retiring from that role which also includes delivering enrichment sessions in school with plastic fencing kit. At the beginning of 2025 I was delighted to become part of BFs coach development team. In July 2026 I was absolutely delighted to discover I had been nominated and awarded BF Community Coach of the Year , this is something I'm really proud of .