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CROWN HILLS, BF & EAST MIDLANDS COLLABORATE ON COMPETITION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

At the weekend, Crown Hills Community College, BF, and East Midlands Region Fencing delivered new competition opportunities for young people and valuable workforce development through coaching and armoury education.

A successful collaboration between BF partner Crown Hills Community College (CHCC), East Midlands Region Fencing, and BF led to a range of positive outcomes for both participants and the fencing workforce.

The collaboration included a beginners’ competition, with free entry provided for CHCC students, helping to create accessible opportunities for young people to experience competitive fencing for the first time.

Alongside participation opportunities, the collaboration supported workforce development through an Introduction To Coaching Fencing (ITCF) course with twelve participants, including a sports coach from CHCC. A Sword In Hand CPD workshop and an armoury course were also delivered, helping coaches and volunteers develop their skills and knowledge.

Each partner benefited from the collaboration. For CHCC, the programme strengthened its fencing offer through enhanced competition opportunities for students. It also allowed for the professional development of CHCC staff. For East Midlands Region Fencing, the initiative contributed to the development of a stronger and more skilled workforce.

For BF, the collaboration aligns closely with Goal 1 of the BF 2030 Strategy by driving inclusive participation, expanding fencing opportunities in schools, creating more opportunities to fence, and developing a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

Chris Turner, BF Head of Coaching & Workforce, said:

“This is a shining example of the multiple positive outcomes that can be achieved when organisations come together. Students gained an exciting competitive experience that helped strengthen the school’s fencing programme, while the region was able to support workforce development through a range of learning opportunities.”

ITCF tutor Nigel Leavesley added:

“I’m really pleased with how the course went and had some good feedback. Running the course alongside the Sword In Hand CPD also inspired those starting their coaching journey, giving them a great insight into where their coaching journey could take them.”

Competition referee and Sword in Hand CPD participant Ev Van Gemeren said:

“It was great to see so many activities happening at the same time and in the same venue, from the excellent ITCF course and armoury course, to the sabre competition and coaches’ CPD led by some of our top coaches. Crown Hills was an excellent venue.”

BF thanks Crown Hills Community College and the East Midlands Regional Committee for their collaboration and valued contribution to developing fencing opportunities and workforce skills within the region.

BF is keen to explore further workforce development opportunities with regions across the UK. To see how we can work together, please contact workforce@britishfencing.com.

This post is related to the BF 2030 Strategy Goal 1 to Grow Participation. Read more about the full BF 2030 Strategy and goals here.