Street Swords Fencing Project in Darlington
The Street Swords project has gained over £10,000 funding from Sport England, Darlington Borough Council, The Co-Operative and England Fencing to enable fencing training, competitions and coaching skills to people aged 11 and over, in the Darlington area, who are disengaged and are at risk of offending. The programme of taster and beginners sessions will develop the basic skills of fencing, progressing to competition and hopefully establish Street Sword clubs.
Regional Fencing Development Officer and National Team Manager, Beth Davidson is looking for potential people to become Street Sword coaches for the project, which requires no previous knowledge of fencing, only some experience in coaching sport. They have to be able to communicate with others and enthuse young people to become involved in the activities!
Selected Street Sword coaches will be funded for equipment and training to NGB British Fencing coach standards. Some voluntary work is anticipated during the training period but further funding will be available after the coach is qualified.
Street Sword was inspired from other sport schemes such as Midnight Basketball in a number of cities (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/335914.stm) and Midnight Ping Pong in Hungary, which proves opportunity and informality to take part in sport, has very positive affects in reducing crime in the surrounding area. Fundamentally, fencing requires great skill, concentration and discipline to do well. Strength is not important so girls and boys can compete together!
For those interested or require further information, contact Beth Davidson, NE Regional Development Officer.
Tel. 07812078957.
E-mail beth.davidson@northumbria.ac.uk
Web Site www.fencingnortheast.org
Total funding secured £10,367.
