Fencing Programme Gives Young People Chance to Develop Leadership Skills

2-MINUTE READ

Background

A group of looked-after children in Shropshire were given the opportunity to develop new leadership skills through fencing as part of our work to help children and young people to live active lives. 

Working with British Fencing, we supported the delivery of its new "Leadership Through Fencing" programme which we held at Shrewsbury Sports Village on 24th September 2026. The programme combines practical fencing with leadership development, giving young people the opportunity to work towards a recognised qualification while exploring skills that can be applied in education, physical activity and future employment. 

Why Energize got involved

At Energize STW, we're committed to creating opportunities that help children and young people to move more. And we know that positive experiences through physical activity can also help build confidence, develop life skills, and open doors to future opportunities.

For many of the seven young people involved, it was their first experience of learning about leadership within physical activity. The programme also provided continued professional development opportunities, while giving participants something tangible to add to future applications and CVs.

Jake Jones, Programme Officer - Children and Young People (CYP), from Energize STW said:

“It was great to collaborate with British Fencing to give looked-after children the chance to gain leadership training and CPD linked to fencing. It’s great for the pupils to have this qualification added to their CVs and for most of them it was the first time they have done any learning around leadership in physical activity. We hope we can continue to work closely together in the future.”

Helping children and young people to live active lives

At Energize, we support children and young people to live active lives, working with schools and partners across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to create opportunities for more young people to move and be active.

Jake leads on the planning and organisation of School Games events for primary and secondary schools across the county. He also works collaboratively with the county’s Virtual Schools to coordinate opportunities for children and young people to be physically active, including looked-after children.

If you would like to find out more about opportunities to help children and young people move more, please email Jake Jones at Jake.Jones@energizestw.org.uk.