Photography by PlashingVole
Brixton Fencing Club prepares U15 fencers for competing in Challenge Wratislavia, Wroclaw running its own trip to the event as well as supplying fencers from Brixton into the England Squad .
In March 2012, England Fencing will again be taking a Tomorrow's Achievers Epee squad of up to 12 U15 girls and 12 U15 boys to the Challenge Wratislavia tournament in Wroclaw, Poland. This is an international children's competition for all three weapons for ages U11, U13 and U15, with entry numbers from all over Europe far exceeding anything we see here in the UK - well over 100 entries in many categories.
Some details about the 2011 trip are here
The competition website is here
England Fencing organise the trip because they recognise that talented young fencers need something to aspire to in 12 to 14 age range - as they begin to graduate from Leon Paul type competitions, but before they can realistically chase cadet squad places.
The Challenge Wratislavia trip provides experience of travelling and staying as a squad, and some taste of continental fencing, so when they graduate to the cadet squads, fencers have some idea of what to expect.
England squad members are entitled to wear England Stripes on their breeches and non fencing arm.
There is a great slide show of the trip here: PlashingVole on flickr
Selection Criteria
Photography by PashingVole
The selection criteria is described in full by England Fencing (although the dates are still as last year) click here
There are two ways to qualify: fencers who are in the top four in U13 or U15 age groups qualify automatically provided they are under 15 on Jan 1st 2012.
The remaining places up to twelve boys, and twelve girls will be selected from ranking lists maintained by England Fencing. Points are awarded for the following competitions:
- The British 2010 Youth Championships (U12 and U14)
- The England 2010 Youth Championships (U13 and U15)
- The British 2010 Cadet Championships (U17)
- Leon Paul Junior Series competitions in the relevant weapon (U13 and U15) in calendar year 2010, up to the selection date*
- Any additional competitions that the England Fencing Youth Director may nominate (currently) Elite Epee Series and Manchester Cadet.
The dates, and entry forms for these competitions are here
Ranking lists
Photography by PashingVole
Fencers who appear in red have automatically qualified through their result in the England Youth Championships.
Fencers can represent Brixton Fencing Club at Challenge Wratislavia
Going to this event through England Fence is the highlight of many young fencers early fencing career, but some fencers want to go before they can join the U15 squad - and some just prefer to represent the club. For these fencers Brixton Fencing Club runs its own trip supported by parents and Brixton's Polish coach. For more details contact the head coach at Brixton.
