Supplemental Training

Optional additions to regular training

Supplemental Training options at Northern Colorado Fencers provide additional structured practice opportunities alongside an athlete’s regular program.

These sessions are optional, coach-guided, and designed to complement-rather than replace-core weekly training. Athletes must already be enrolled in an ongoing youth, teen, or adult program to participate.

How supplemental training fits at NCF

Supplemental training exists to:

  • add structured training time when appropriate

  • reinforce skills introduced in regular practices

  • provide focused environments for specific training goals

Participation in supplemental sessions does not change an athlete’s primary program placement and is not required for progression. Coaches help guide participation to ensure training remains balanced and appropriate for each athlete’s stage of development.

Saturday Fencing

Saturday Fencing provides additional structured training time in a weekend format.

This session is typically used to:

  • reinforce technical skills developed during the week

  • apply lessons through extended fencing and drilling

  • provide coached fencing time in a focused environment

Saturday Fencing follows the same expectations and training standards as weekday practices. Participation is based on readiness, scheduling, and overall training load.

Girls’ Training - Wednesday

Girls’ Training on Wednesdays is a supplemental training session available to female athletes already enrolled in NCF youth programs.

This session provides:

  • additional structured training time

  • focused, coach-led instruction in a smaller group setting when scheduling allows

  • opportunities to reinforce technical and tactical skills

  • space to practice assertive fencing behaviors within a supported environment

Girls’ Training is an overlay to regular training and does not replace an athlete’s primary program or affect placement.

Clash of Swords (In-House Youth Épée Events)

Clash of Swords is an occasional in-house youth épée event offered as a supplemental training opportunity for NCF fencers.

These events are coach-led, with support from Junior Leaders, and provide structured exposure to fencing in an event format within a familiar training environment.

Clash of Swords is supplemental, optional, and developmental. It does not replace regular training and does not determine placement or progression.

Events are offered periodically throughout the year and are planned to run efficiently, with age-appropriate formats and expectations.Expectations and participation

Athletes participating in supplemental training are expected to:

  • maintain consistent attendance in their regular program

  • follow the same behavioral and safety expectations as all NCF practices

  • treat supplemental sessions as part of a broader training plan

Coaches may recommend, limit, or pause supplemental participation based on an athlete’s development, focus, and overall training balance.

What supplemental training is not

Supplemental training is not:

  • a required step for advancement

  • a replacement for regular weekly training

  • a separate program or track

  • a guarantee of faster progression

Its purpose is to support steady, thoughtful development—not accelerate athletes beyond what is appropriate.

Next steps

Supplemental training options are typically discussed after an athlete is established in regular training. If you have questions about whether a supplemental session is appropriate, speak with a coach.