Laying the foundations for success
Fencing is a wonderful sport for children, helping them to develop hand-eye coordination, balance and core strength along with valuable life skills such as self-discipline, patience and good sportsmanship.
Prospective Under 14 members do not need any prior experience of sport to join our club. Although many of our fencers have progressed from our Mini Fencing and Mini Metal programmes, we are very used to welcoming first-time fencers at this age, and with dedication and focus they can quickly get up to speed.
For children who wish to take the sport further, there is a growing and increasingly sophisticated competition circuit for Under 14 fencers, with events and rankings at regional, national and international level, as well as some "just for fun." Haverstock regularly sends young fencers to these events, where they will be supported by club coaches whenever possible.
Prospective Under 14 members do not need any prior experience of sport to join our club. Although many of our fencers have progressed from our Mini Fencing and Mini Metal programmes, we are very used to welcoming first-time fencers at this age, and with dedication and focus they can quickly get up to speed.
For children who wish to take the sport further, there is a growing and increasingly sophisticated competition circuit for Under 14 fencers, with events and rankings at regional, national and international level, as well as some "just for fun." Haverstock regularly sends young fencers to these events, where they will be supported by club coaches whenever possible.
What is U14 fencing?
U14 fencing involves fencing with adult style equipment slightly reduced in size in order to make the weight manageable. U14 fencers learn exactly the same techniques that we teach to adults, and our most capable youths can give some of our Seniors some serious competition.
Our Under 14 fencers must be at least eleven years old, but every child is assessed on a case by case basis. In order for a child to join as an Under 14 fencer we must be confident that they meet the following criteria:
If a child has not yet reached that level, we will recommend that they train with our Mini Metal group until they are ready to progress.
Our Under 14 fencers must be at least eleven years old, but every child is assessed on a case by case basis. In order for a child to join as an Under 14 fencer we must be confident that they meet the following criteria:
- They are mature enough to remember and follow safety rules and complex technical instruction
- They are capable of putting on their uniform on in a timely manner
- They have enough arm strength to properly hold a size two epee for an entire session
- They are resilient enough to comfortably endure hits from size two metal blades
If a child has not yet reached that level, we will recommend that they train with our Mini Metal group until they are ready to progress.
What does membership include?
Haverstock Fencing Club aims to make starting fencing as simple and inexpensive an experience as possible for our child fencers. We do not charge a sign-up fee. Our Under 14 programme offers two training sessions each week, which include warm ups, group exercises, sparring and at least one one-on-one lesson with a British Fencing qualified coach.
All required equipment is provided on site, and refundable take-home equipment loans are available through our webstore in return for a small refundable deposit. We also lend out equipment for use at competitions, and can offer limited armoury services when stuff breaks.
Under 14 membership is only £180 per school term.
We offer a FREE taster session.
To arrange the session please use our contact form.
All required equipment is provided on site, and refundable take-home equipment loans are available through our webstore in return for a small refundable deposit. We also lend out equipment for use at competitions, and can offer limited armoury services when stuff breaks.
Under 14 membership is only £180 per school term.
We offer a FREE taster session.
To arrange the session please use our contact form.
How to join
To apply for a child to join Haverstock Fencing Club as an Under 14 member, please click on the button below.
Financial Assistance
If you are suffering from financial hardship, the club may able to assist with your membership costs.
To apply, please follow this link to our Bursary & Scholarship Programme.
To apply, please follow this link to our Bursary & Scholarship Programme.
What to wear / bring to the class ?
U14 Fencing timetable
Our Junior Sessions run from 18:00 to 19:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays during school term times.
Tuesdays 18:00-19:30
Warm up session, group footwork
Topic exercises
Open box fencing
Individual lessons (confirmed upon arrival)
Thursdays 18:00-19:30
Warm up session, group footwork
Line lessons
Open box fencing
Individual lessons (confirmed upon arrival)
Saturdays (when available) 15:00-17:00
Social Fencing
Parents are welcome to stay in the sports hall during children's sessions.
Tuesdays 18:00-19:30
Warm up session, group footwork
Topic exercises
Open box fencing
Individual lessons (confirmed upon arrival)
Thursdays 18:00-19:30
Warm up session, group footwork
Line lessons
Open box fencing
Individual lessons (confirmed upon arrival)
Saturdays (when available) 15:00-17:00
Social Fencing
Parents are welcome to stay in the sports hall during children's sessions.
U14 Fencing term dates
Final Session of Spring Term: 26th March 2026
First Session of Summer Term: 14th April 2026
Summer Half Term: 26th-28th May 2026
Final Session of Summer Term: 19th July 2026
First Session of Summer Term: 14th April 2026
Summer Half Term: 26th-28th May 2026
Final Session of Summer Term: 19th July 2026