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GBR PATHWAY CAMP OUTLINE: 18TH -19th JULY 2026

This weekend, BF’s GBR Pathway Development Camps will bring together ambitious foil, epee, sabre, and wheelchair fencing athletes for a focused weekend of learning, training, and development.

Designed to support athletes on the GBR Pathway, the camps provide high-quality coaching, challenging training environments, and opportunities to develop the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological skills required for future success.

Camp Overview

The GBR Development Camps are designed to:

    • Develop technical and tactical fencing skills.
    • Build physical preparation and strength & conditioning knowledge.
    • Encourage athlete ownership and self-reflection.
    • Explore performance habits and routines.
    • Create challenging training environments that support decision-making under pressure.
    • Support athletes in preparing for the upcoming season.

Foil Development Camp

Venue: Leon Paul Fencing Centre

Theme: Pre-Season – Creativity and Exploration

Athletes will explore creative problem-solving, tactical awareness, and momentum-building within a structured pre-season environment. Sessions include:

Preparations
Attacking actions
Creativity and exploration
Momentum and initiative
Group discussions and reflection
RAMP warm-ups and activation sessions
Coaching Team

GBR Coaches

  • Marco Zaffino
  • Dan Robinson
  • John Routledge

Senior Athlete Support

  • Will Lonsdale

British Fencing Staff

  • Sarah Jones
  • Neil Brown
  • Susy Davies

Wheelchair Fencing Development Camp

Venue: Leon Paul Fencing Centre

As the first entry point into the wheelchair fencing pathway, this camp is designed to help athletes understand the demands of performance fencing and begin building the foundations required for progression. Working with all three weapons, athletes will work on their skills in each discipline, including sparring techniques and tactical performance. Athletes demonstrating commitment and development may be invited to progress into future Accelerate Camps, which form the next stage of the wheelchair fencing pathway.

GBR Coaches

  • Nat Lewis
  • Ben Priestley

British Fencing Staff

  • Sarah Jones
  • Neil Brown
  • Susy Davies

Epee Development Camp

Venue: Nottingham Jubilee Sports Centre
Theme: Strength & Conditioning, Sparring and Fencing Mindset

The Epee camp combines technical fencing development with integrated strength and conditioning activities. Athletes will experience:

    • Footwork with S&C integration
    • Scenario-based sparring
    • Choice reaction and distance exercises
    • Escalating handicaps workshops
    • Peer-led activities
    • Distance and preparation workshops
    • Reflection and performance reviews

GBR Coaches

  • Alex Agrenich
  • Kate Morwell-Neave
  • Lewis McInley
  • Luke Hewerdine

Team Managers

  • Matt Russell

British Fencing Staff

  • Neil Brown

Sabre Development Camp

Venue: Cardiff Academy of Fencing

Theme: Building Performance Habits for Long-Term Success

The Sabre programme focuses on helping athletes establish the foundations required for future high performance through:

    • Strength and conditioning programmes
    • Season planning and periodisation
    • Consistent physical and mental preparation routines
    • Performance checklists and processes
    • Tactical decision-making under pressure
    • Training environment design and competitive challenge development

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali

GBR Coaches

Phil Shepherd-Foster

Fran Whalley

British Fencing Staff

Sarah Jones

What Athletes Can Expect

Across all three weapons, the camps are designed to provide:

    • High-quality coaching from experienced GBR pathway coaches.
    • Structured training sessions with clear development themes.
    • Opportunities to challenge and stretch performance boundaries.
    • Athlete reflection and learning discussions.
    • A supportive, performance-focused environment.

Looking Ahead

The GBR Development Camps form an important part of the BF GBR Pathway, providing athletes with opportunities to develop the skills, behaviours, and mindset needed for future international success. Through challenging training environments, expert coaching, and athlete-led learning, participants will leave equipped to make the most of the season ahead.

Applications to join the pathway will open at the end of July. Please visit Joining the Pathway for more details.