University of Exeter Fencing Club has been awarded “University Club of the Year” from the national fencing body British Fencing.
The award is for the club that demonstrates the most commitment to club development and promotion of fencing as a sport within their university. The award also encompasses increasing club diversity, inclusion and social media promotion. This is in addition to developing home-grown coaches who are able to contribute to the wider fencing community and encourage new individuals to the sport.
UoE Fencing Club was awarded this incredible accolade based on their club development, increased participation, alongside their marketing and communication. Last year, they decided to start a new Saturday development sessions (which train in a weapons specific fashion on a three-week rotation) to allow students to be coached by national competing student coaches. As well as this, the club signed up for the universities social sport leagues, allowing students within the club to play another sport together against other university students.
To help increase participation UoEFC’s started the Exeter Open which was the first of its kind for the club; a national competition with British Fencing ranking points associated, managed entirely by the committee, led by Arlen Veysey and Alexander Varley. The competition was incredibly successful with a large turnout in all three weapons in both male and female categories open to all age groups. The competition received widespread support from both the local fencing community, other universities and national clubs. The Exeter Open also received internal recognition from UoE’s Athletic Union being awarded Participation Activity of the Year.
In terms of their social media marketing, UoE fencing club saw a 200% rise in engagement on their Instagram account, leading with the “show the face behind the mask” campaign throughout the 2022/23 season. The club wanted to give visibility to the individuals behind the sport and reduce reservations due to preconceptions about who a fencer is. This campaign was very successful at encouraging beginner fencers, particularly from communities where fencing is less accessible. This led to their most diverse cohort in club history, which they regarded as an enormous success.
“What an achievement, It was truly a massive season! Both the women’s and men’s teams were phenomenal, so many beginners kept training throughout the year and chose fencing as their sport to keep! Great engagement from all the club members and definitely a standard raiser!”
Edgar Kursiss, Club Coach and former Latvian fencing champion.
“The club has had such a great atmosphere the whole time I’ve been here, and this has consistently improved with every new intake. I’m really proud of the club’s growth in membership, especially how we’ve been able to maintain impressively high numbers at our training sessions, and how so many of our fencers have taken the step to start competing, at all levels from local championships to international competitions. This is a testament to all the work that has been put in to ensure all of our fencers are able to develop their skills in an atmosphere that encourages taking on new challenges and experiences. This has translated into some excellent BUCS success in recent seasons as well as a culture of teamwork and personal growth that I hope will continue long into the future.”
Alex Varley, Welfare Secretary 2021-2022, Club Captain 2022-2023
Guernsey Commonwealth Fencer 2022.
“We had one of the highest intakes in both experienced and beginner female fencers, I am enormously proud of the team’s performance and commitment to both the sport and the club as shown in their BUCS results, particularly in the first year back after COVID.”
Yasmin Jawed, Women’s Captain 2021-2022, Vice Captain 2022-2023
You can find out more about how the University of Exeter Fencing Club gets in the 2023/24 season via their Instagram account. Head to our website for more information on student sport at the University of Exeter.