Fran is a full time Sabre Coach from Swansea. Also a qualified Teaching Assistant, she firmly believes that fencing can offer something for everyone, and enjoys finding out what each new person that walks though our doors makes of it. Most of her time is spent supporting the competitive fencers, regularly coaching GB & Welsh athletes at international and major events. Fran is a coach in the British Fencing Athlete Development Programme as well as the ADP Cymru, and a Coach Educator for British Fencing.

Recently Fran has been made a Project Officer for British Fencing, and coached at the 2023 Cadet & Junior Europeans and World Championships.

With a focus on individuals and creativity, Fran endeavours to create a culture of care where training is person centered. Her fencers describe her as a determined, passionate, honest coach that supports and encourages them in all aspects of their life, and not just fencing

contact: southwalessabre@gmail.com

website: southwalessabre.co.uk

Cardiff Academy are pleased to announce a new face will be joining the coaching team in this summer!

Phil Shepherd-Foster is returning to his Welsh roots and joining the CAF family. Phil is the current coach for the U17 GBR Cadet Womens Sabre Team, a British Fencing Athlete Development Program Coach and a BF Coach Developer. We are looking forward to benefitting from his experience as a successful sabre coach, and increasing support in foil and Epee which he holds BF level 3 qualifications.

Phil will be joining the team in Summer 2023

contact: elitesabrecoaching@gmail.com

website elitesabrecoaching.co.uk

Peter is a FIE Diploma'd fencing master (foil) having studied in Germany under Andrea Magro, and holds Sabre and Epée coaching qualifications with both the British Academy and British Fencing Association. He has been coaching professionally for over 10 years and his students include members of various Welsh/British Teams, and age-group and cadet British champions.

Peter is also a Primary School teacher and coordinates the Coach Education program for Wales, running seminars and courses across the country.

Pete promotes a student focused pedagogical approach, catering to the individual needs and aptitudes of athletes, whilst encouraging greater independence and resilience in fencers through engagement with the underlying principles of the sport and the training process.

Due to increased responsibilities in his teaching job, Pete has recently made the difficult decision to decrease contact time with fencers at the club, instead focusing on the development of our young and upcoming coaching team.

contact: info@russellswords.com

website: russellswords.com

Erin is a successful international fencer for GB and Wales. Since starting fencing with the club in 2012, She has many successes under her belt including Representation at Cadet Junior European Championships, Cadet, Junior & Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championships, and numerous medals from Domestic events including 3rd at the British U17 and U20 championships, and U18 British Champion in 2019. Erin has also been the Senior Welsh Champion for the last 6 years.

Her coaching journey began in 2016 when she was looking to give back and help along some younger fencers. Enjoying it from the beginning, Erin passed her Level 1 exam with flying colours in 2018 at the age of 16. Erin was finally able to take her level 2 exam in July 2021 having been delayed a year by Covid.

A capable and nurturing coach, Erin provides encouragement and praise to those she works with, and draws on the wealth of her personal experience as a fencer to better enhance her coaching.

As a fencer Neale competed to World Cup level with GB between 1998 and 2002 and was Commonwealth Bronze medallist with Welsh Men's Epee team in 1998 & 2002. He started coaching in 2003 and in 2005 joined the GB cadet & junior Epee coaching team, travelling with GB squads to numerous international events as coach and official. In 2010/11 was invited to join the FIE coach education program, training under Olympic coach Octavian Zidaru in Zagreb and Budapest, gaining his FIE Maitre D’Armes. Between 2013-2016 Neale was appointed GB National Junior Coach. Has coached fencers to all levels from County through to National Champions. His fencers have represented GB at World Cup, Junior European and World Championships. As a coach attended more than 20 major championships (World, European and Commonwealth) between 2007 & 2016 and acted as Welsh Team Manager / Epee coach to the Commonwealth Junior Teams in Penang (2009) & Jersey (2012), and Welsh Senior Commonwealth Teams in Melbourne (2010) and Largs (2014).

Phoebe started fencing with the club when she was 8 years old under then head coach Peter Russell, who has also mentored her throughout her journey to qualify as a coach.

A former GB cadet international and Cadet Welsh Commonwealth fencer, now spends her days coaching the foil members of the club.

Phoebe has a passion for coaching children and young adults with SEN and disabilities, and has an in-depth understanding of neurodiversity. She is determined to ensure each and every student has an equal opportunity to be their best self, creating a fun and understanding environment for them to do so.

Growing up, the club was a huge part of Phoebe’s life creating many happy memories. She is proud to be able to give others a similar great experience that she had in her many years as a fencer at CAF, under the watchful eye of ‘Mr Russell.’

Aaron started fencing recreationally in 2003 after watching die another day. Aaron joined Salle Hunt Rhoder based at QEH school in Bristol. Whilst there Aaron met John Rhodes and moved to White Eagles Fencing, a club run by John specializing in Sabre fencing. It was under John’s excellent tutelage that Aaron’s passion for Sabre was ignited.

Following a move to Wales, Aaron found Cardiff Academy of Fencing for his wife and son to join. Aaron was coaching both his wife and son at home so they could improve their technique. This was how his coaching journey started.

After talking to both Fran and Erin Aaron booked his level 1 coaching course and passed in September 2022.

Aaron enjoys coaching the children’s sessions and kindling their passion for Sabre fencing whilst improving their technique.

Due to job commitments Aaron is taking a break from Coaching, but hopes to return soon. In the meantime being the clubs Treasurer is keeping him very busy!

With 3 British Fencing coach educators on staff we are always accommodating to new coaches looking to develop their skills and welcome anyone who would like to take that journey with us. We offer feedback and advice during sessions as well as host coach education training days for Welsh Fencing.