Sword Play Fencing Clubs

in and around Colchester.

There are currently two Sword Play fencing clubs in the area. Aimed at children aged 6 to 13 they are designed to be a fun and friendly way to learn the sport. An hour long, the classes are split according to age and ability. 

WHEN & WHERE;

Tuesdays  at The Gilberd School, Colchester, CO4 9PU. 

5.30 – 6.30pm,  ages 6 - 9yrs

6.30 – 7.30pm, ages 10 - 13 yrs

Wednesdays  at Thurstable School, Tiptree, CO5 0EW.

6.00– 7.00pm, ages 6 – 9yrs

6.45 – 7.45pm, ages 10 – 13 yrs(classes overlap for 15 mins footwork)

Timings are as shown, although there is some leeway on ages if you can only make one session, or have two children of different ages. We usually only meet during school term times.

COACH   Tina Staples B.Ed(Hons)

COST   £6 per week. You are asked to pay for the half term in advance. All equipment is provided for your use.

SAFETY   All safety rules must be abided by. I reserve the right to temporarily or permanently exclude any fencer who blatantly ignores safety rules.

BRING   A bottle of water ( Not a brightly coloured or sticky drink please!)

WEAR   trainers and track suit trousers (– NOT shorts) and club T shirt if you have earned one. Long hair must be tied back.

FORMAT  There is usually a maximum of 12-15 children per group, depending on age and experience. Each class usually consists of a warm up, footwork practise, paired fencing, class lesson and paired practise of a new technique, free fencing and a warm down. There are also some individual lessons each week on a rota basis. When possible a small group of children will be able to spend the evening using the electric scoring equipment. Occasionally we have some fun games, a mini-competition or other fencing related activities.

We also have the odd social occasion - In the past we have had a giant party for all Sword Play fencers and their parents, which we combined with an awards presentation ceremony. We have also had a summer barbeque, quiz night and friendly matches. 

 Several members of the club are now venturing into the world of competition. Many of the children are taking part in the Colchester Junior Foil league, some have entered the Essex Championships and also various Leon Paul Competitions.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS   All children are encouraged to work towards badges in the British Fencing Association award scheme, and test days regularly occur.

BFA MEMBERSHIP  All members are expected to join the British Fencing Association by the end of their first term. The minimum requirement is an annual social membership costing £10, details from Tina. Alternatively they can become full members which will mean they are insured to enter competitions and local matches. They then also receive copies of the BFA magazine The Sword.

JOINING THE CLUB  New club members are welcome at any time as long as we have a space. Do come and try us out for a week and see what you think! Just contact us to arrange your visit.

OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME....  I also coach at the following clubs and schools
New Hall School, Chelmsford
Old Heath Primary School, Colchester
Colchester Royal Grammar School
Felsted School, Felsted
Colchester High School, Wellesley Rd Colchester
Ipswich High School for Girls, Woolverstone, Ipswich
Chelmsford County High School for Girls
King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
CADS fencing club, Colchester

For your peace of mind.. I am a qualified fencing coach with public liability insurance, and I have a recent CRB clearance form.