National Squad Youth Category
Involvement in the National Squad is an important development pathway for young fencers connecting them with the National Squad Infrastructure – the HPC, the National Technical Director, the National Coaching Team, the broader National Squad, which allows fencers to benefit from a consistent education stream, technical pathway, opportunities for training through multiple camps, and to develop a guided and structured approach to fencing development.
Importantly, National Squad Youth Category fencers will not be eligible for selection in any of the older categories (cadet, junior, senior) while they remain members of the National Squad Youth Category. If a fencer wishes to be eligible for selection in other age categories, then that fencer must either (a) at the beginning of the nomination cycle, nominate for the National Squad Member (Adult) or transfer to this category at least ten (10) days prior to selection for any particular event and have paid in full the amount owing for the National Squad Member (Adult) as if they had nominated for National Squad Member (Adult) at the beginning of the nomination cycle.
Who is eligible?
Fencers who are 10 years old at the start of the calendar year or who turn 15 prior to the end of the calendar year.
Fencers applications need to be assessed on a case by case basis by the High Performance Commission
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits for younger fencers to train alongside older National Squad Members and be part of the National Squad including: access to National Squad Infrastructure, integration with National Technical Pathway,
For further information about the National Squad and its High Performance Program please see the National Squad High Performance Program Outline.
Athletes registered as National Squad Members (Youth) will be available for selection on the HPC Designated Event Tour (Youth), where athletes travel to either the United States, Asia, or Europe to compete in world class competitive events. If a National Squad Member (Youth) wishes to be available for cadet, junior, or senior selection they will need to transfer from Youth category to National Squad Member (Adult).