The University of Leicester Fencing Club we are proud to be in a position to say that the majority of the members that join our club are brand new to the sport. We foster an amazing team spirit, where a willingness to make mistakes and indulge in new experiences stands as the backbone of our innovative styles and national acclaim. This along with our Olympic trained coaches and great social atmosphere lead to a fantastic club culture and unmissable social scene! Add this to our mixture of high ranking performance and great university experience creates the perfect spirit for all; no matter how you’re looking to get involved with fencing: whether it be for a fun new hobby, to join in with one of the best university fencing teams in the country, or just for amazing nights out!
The Club is also proud to be the universities best performing BUCS (British University & College Sport) club for over 4 years; with our first and second teams regularly competing all over the country in all three weapons – Saber, Epée, and Foil. To top that off, we are also the first and only Team Leicester club in the BUCS premiership!
Key Information For Joining Fencing During Covid-19
How are we going to host training sessions?
Training will be held in 50 minute sessions on Tuesday Thursday and Sunday. 2 sessions on the Tuesday, 3 sessions on the Thursday, and 5 sessions on the Sunday
All members will sign up into bubbles of 6 for each session. One of these members will be either a coach or a committee member to lead the sessions.
All training will occur in the Roger Bettles sports centre next to the Oadby student village. We have a hall specially adapted for our needs with 2m distancing zones marked out on the floor.
The piste (the zone in which you fence) is distanced from all other members so we’re all safe during training sessions and you can fence without worry about other members impinging on your zone.
All members will be supplied with their own kit and weapons and are expected to bring these to each training session; as our usual policy of sharing and borrowing equipment cannot occur due to the pandemic.
Bubbles?
Bubbles will be groups of up to 6 members who will train together. You will be asked to sign up for a bubble at the beginning of the year and then will train with this bubble for the rest of term 1.
Movement between bubbles can occur if there is good reason to do so and it is planned ahead of time with the committee and coaches. This should be fairly easy to carry out but might require the member wishing to move bubbles to keep away from training for a maximum of two weeks between the changeover events to ensure the safety of all our members.
Will the club still be competing? - Yes, however not as we have been in previous years... yet!
BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) will not be hosting any events till term 2 at the earliest.
Friendly local matches might be able to go ahead in term 1 though we are not sure if this means just UoL - DMU matches or if we will be able to compete with other midlands universities. Once this has been confirmed all members will be informed!
Will socials still be going ahead? – YES!!! and here is how
Regular Wednesday online socials will be hosted while we’re still in the pandemic
If the onsite club - the O2 - manages to do as it plans and open as a bar we will have regular socials in there!
If you want to know more about our planned socials check out our social media (linked bellow) or message our social secretary – Becky!
No matter the challenges we face this year we are going to ensure that we have an amazing time! Doing tonnes of socials and bringing back that amazing atmosphere our club always has fostered. Even though this year will be tough, the fencing team will have your back!!!
Committee
President: Henry Dakin General Secretary: Velina Janes Treasurer: Peter Hudd Events Secretary: Daithi Harkin Social Secretary: Rebecca Evans Wellbing & : Leona Irwin inclsions officer
If you feel like you want to know more or have any queries, get in contact through one of our social media platforms, you can find us on any of the following :
Email: su-fencing@le.ac.uk Facebook Page: University of Leicester Fencing Club Instagram: @uol_fencing
Training Regime:
Tuesday's 8-10 (Roger Bettles Sports Centre)
Thursday's 7-10 (Roger Bettles Sports Centre)
Sunday's 2-5 (Charles Wilson Sports Hall)
Membership Fee: £35 (Kit inclusive)