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Academy

The Academy is a non-affiliated and a non-political organisation that encourages each fencer to remain a member of their respective fencing clubs. It's aims are to work alongside the regions fencing clubs and to help promote the sport and develop top flight fencers. It will provide fencers from the region some of the best coaching expertise available without the need for expensive travel.

There are plans for the Academy system to expand its working partnerships into other regions across the UK within the next 18 months.

Academy Director and Architect of the Academy plan is Des Williams. Des has extensive experience in guiding and managing the careers of professional footballers, rugby and basketball players and has worked with some of the best sports coaches in the UK. He also has extensive links to top Universities in the USA and has used these links to provide a pathway for athletes to gain scholarships in US college system.

Academy Director of Elite Coaching is 3-time Olympian, James Williams who is considered to be Britain's best (post war) sabre fencer. James is involved at the highest levels of fencing in Britain and brings a wealth of experience that will prove to be a major asset to young fencers. He is one of the premier coaches in the UK and his reputation at coaching the best needs no introduction.

Academy Director of Education/Welfare & Communications is Michael Ruaux.
Centre of Excellence Director – David Gregory
Director of Fencer Recruitment (North West) – Stuart Marshall

The Academy is 6 weapon and it's structure has three squads;

• Team 2016 - U23
• Team 2020 - U20 & U18
• Team 2024 - U16, U14, U12

Each team has fencers who are aiming for that years Olympiad.

The ultimate aim of the The North West Fencing Academy is to support the training and development needs of fencers throughout the region and assist British Fencing with the quality of fencer who can compete in the international arena. Another objective is to facilitate athlete achievement through maximising their potential to succeed on the world stage

The Academy will aim:

• to maintain a seasonal average of four Academy developed fencers within the Top 10 British Fencing ranking.
• to develop a minimum of one fencer per season who makes a debut for their home nation in a competitive tournament.
• to maintain and improve the fencers support systems.
• to ensure the academy is developed and maintained on a sustainable basis.

If you would like to register to attend our North West Fencing Academy Selection Camp on October 15th & 16th 2011 the cost is £30 per fencer and this covers the cost of the venue, coaches and training apparel.

Please contact Michael Ruaux on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01204 669 332 and ask for Michael Ruaux.

If you'd like to declare at expression of interest regarding coaching and or developing a working partnership with us, please contact us via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.