Performance Fencing
Elite fencers studying at The University of Nottingham join a unique set up, with access to world-class fencing and support facilities at the state of the art David Ross Sports Village, expert coaching and comprehensive sports scholarships.
Our team comprises fencers from across the world, making us a truly international community. We have ambitious performance targets and our training programme reflects this commitment; talented fencers can access several team, individual and strength and conditioning sessions on a weekly basis.
With the British Cadet and Junior Championships held at the David Ross Sports Village in the recent past and the designation on Nottingham as a British Fencing Development Centre, it's an incredibly exciting time to be part of the programme.
Fencing at The University of Nottingham
Performance coaching
Lead performance coach is Paul Sibert, a Level 4 coach at all three weapons. Paul has been involved in the sport for over 30 years, with 20 of those as a coach. He has coached fencers to British Cadet, Junior and BYC medals as well as to European and World Cadet / Junior championships.
The coaching is supplemented on a weekly basis by Anthony Klenczar as specialist epee coach and David Dobel-Ober to deliver sabre.
Contact Paul Sibert
Register your interest
Performance training
- 3 weekly team sessions
- Weekly strength & conditioning sessions
- Additional daytime individual lessons
Achievements
- 2014/15 - BUCS Midlands 1A champions and promotion to Premier North (Women 1)
- 2014/15 - BUCS Trophy Cup winners (Women 1)
Performance facilities
Competition
Athlete profiles
Stefano Luchetti
Studying: International Law LLM
Fencing background: I'm the 5th generation of fencers in my family so it's in my blood. Every generation has made it to the Olympics and my ancestors won the bronze medal in the 1928 games. They are my inspiration and motivation to keep the family tradition going and one day win an Olympic medal myself. I've been fencing professionally for 7 years now, and am currently ranked 44th in the world.
Top achievements: 3x Pan American Individual Champ, South American Champion (Ind + Team), Junior World Championship Finalist 2016, Multiple time World Cup Medalist, University of London Athlete of the Year 2018
"The world-class level of education was a key factor in choosing the University of Nottingham. Coupled with a passion to excel in all sports, amazing facilities and staff that are on your side from day one, I knew UoN was the perfect place to do my postgrad while continuing professional fencing."
Serena Patel
Studying: Medicine (School of Medicine)
Fencing background: Fenced foil for 11 years at Aldershot Fencing Club. First represented England as part of the 2013 U15 squad, and Great Britain as part of the 2015 Cadet squad.
Top achievements: Selection for Great Britain at multiple Junior World Cups and Junior Commonwealth selection for England.
"The modern facilities at the University of Nottingham and the excellent coaching has really helped to accelerate my development as an international fencer."