USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Fencing and the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) today announced a strategic alliance aimed at growing and nurturing the sport of fencing through coaching education. The partnership is built on the shared belief that the growth of fencing is directly tied to the growth of coaching.

The collaboration between the two organizations will bring several benefits to current and aspiring fencing coaches:

• As USA Fencing develops its Continuing Education Units (CEU) program, USFCA members will be able to satisfy CEU requirements through USFCA courses, among other offerings from USA Fencing as well as other suppliers.

• Those interested in coaching in the U.S. will see sharing of resources and interaction between the two organizations.

• USA Fencing and the USFCA will align USA Fencing's Foundational Coach curriculum with USFCA's National Coaching Development Program (NCDP) to create a comprehensive pipeline for coaching training and education.

• Coaches across the country will see further joint initiatives and closer collaboration between the two organizations.

Starting from the 2023-2024 season, USA Fencing will use select USFCA content selected by it’s content development team in the development of its’ Foundations of Fencing course, which will provide the basis of certification for all USFA certified coaches. The certification process is being led by experienced coaches, including USA Fencing's national coaches and their delegates. In addition, USA Fencing members will benefit from a USFCA Coaching Tip Corner in “Points of Pride,” the monthly newsletter of USA Fencing.

Phil Andrews, USA Fencing CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. 

“We are pleased that our two organizations have found a way to come together,” he says. “Ultimately, the vast majority of USFCA members are also USA Fencing members, so it makes sense for the two organizations to find ways where our missions align and where we can help each other be successful. Our thanks, in particular, go to Vinnie Bradford OLY for her leadership, and the support of Dr. Rob Handelman in that.”

Bradford, USFCA Executive Director, also shared her thoughts on the new partnership.

“The historic alliance between USA Fencing and USFCA marks a new era in fencing coaching development in the United States,” she says. “Thanks to the leadership of USFCA President Dr. Rob Handelman and the farsightedness of USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews, this agreement will provide U.S. coaches with the resources and support they need to develop their skills and knowledge. This will ultimately lead to more homegrown quality coaches and, therefore, more growth in the U.S. fencing community.”

The new alliance signifies a promising step forward in the development of fencing coaching in the United States, with both organizations working together to provide comprehensive education and resources for current and aspiring coaches.