As we say hello to a new year, we are looking back over some of the successes of this season so far for some of our Athletic Union clubs as well as the immense growth of clubs overall. The BUCS season might not have finished yet, but UoE Fencing has already secured league wins and a major increase in female participation.
“Term 1 has been incredibly successful for UoEFC, both on and off the piste. Our teams have achieved outstanding results within their leagues, showing resilience and skill even under great pressure.”
Balint Garamvolgyi, Club Captain.
After last year’s promotion, the men’s first team entered the Premier South for the first time, competing as one of the 6 best university teams in Southern UK, bringing back fantastic results for their first performance as a Prem team.
“After phenomenal success last season, the Men’s first team have made UoEFC history by competing in the Premier league for the first time ever. I’m excited to say that we have shown our opponents that we belong in this league and already secured one victory in hopes that we can remain in the Southern Premier League and keep ensuring Exeter surprises all the top universities!”
Jack Courtney, Mens First Team Captain.
Despite the 2023/24 BUCS season not being over yet for many of our sports, the women’s first team finished 2023 on a high with a league win in Western Tier 1, meaning they will be facing a promotion playoff as we go into term 2 which the club are very optimistic for, with hopes for W1 to join M1 in Premier South.
“It’s been a pleasure to captain such talented team and I could not have asked for more. I am so proud with how the women have grown individually and as a team. We have ended the term undefeated and hope to see this continue in the new year.”
Elly Charlson, Women’s First Team Captain.
The Men’s second team have also had fantastic success this season, taking a league win in their final match of the year, securing promotion to Western Tier 1 for the first time in club history; which they will debut in the second half of 2024.
“I am very proud of the team this season for securing promotion to Western Tier 1, this has been a goal that the team has worked for since its inception last season. This has been a true testament to their effort, discipline and determination they put in week in week out during training. We look forward to next semester by rounding this season off and defending our cup title!”
Ryan Leung, Men’s Second Team Captain.
It’s not just league wins fencing has been working on this year, this season has also seen a 63% increase in female attendees and a 31% increase in overall tickets during Welcome Week. UoEFC has been very dedicated to making fencing more accessible and they are very proud to be welcoming one of their most diverse cohorts.
“We are delighted to have had such high interest levels in fencing as a sport this year from an extremely wide demographic and we are so pleased to have introduced so many new people into the sport who hadn’t been given exposure before.”
Balint Garamvolgyi, Club Captain.
We wish the club the best of luck for the rest of the BUCS season and we hope to see the women join the men next season in the Prem!
Helena Hughs, AU Media Exec