Truro Fencing Club Moves Into New Era

One of Cornwall’s most successful sports clubs, Truro Fencing Club, has announced a restructure and the appointment of a new Head Coach, as it looks to move forward with renewed momentum.

The club has recently been taken over by the UK Fencing Project Ltd, a non-profit company spearheaded by former Truro Head Coach, GB international and Team GB Olympic Coach, Jon Salfield.

“Bringing Truro under the banner of the UK Fencing Project not only gives the club financial security but also access to the expertise of some of the UK’s leading coaches and support staff”, Jon commented, “This is the start of the next exciting phase in the history of a club which has already achieved quite extraordinary things”.

The first step by UK Fencing Project has been to take on a new Head Coach for the club, Marius Dobel-Ober, marking an important step in the club’s next chapter.

Marius is a former Great Britain international fencer and an experienced coach who has spent recent years coaching in Manchester, developing athletes to achieve National medal-winning performances. He now takes over one of the country’s most historic fencing clubs, bringing fresh energy, elite experience and a clear vision for Truro’s future as a leading force in UK fencing.

The appointment comes alongside a renewed partnership with Truro School and the club’s base at the Cornwall Fencing Centre, a full-time fencing venue in the grounds of the school. Together, these developments aim to strengthen fencing opportunities for young people and adults across Cornwall, grow participation in the sport, and create clear pathways from beginner level through to international competition for Cornish fencers.

Truro School’s long tradition of national and international success in the sport is well-known, and its commitment to supporting Truro Fencing Club and the sport in general has been an essential element in the success of the club over the last 25 years.

The revitalised partnership between Truro School and Truro Fencing Club will not only support increased participation, structured coaching programmes and shared use of facilities, helping to grow the sport both within the school and the wider community.

Zoe Jobling, Truro School Deputy Head (Co-curricular and Partnerships), said: “Truro School has a long and proud history of supporting fencing, and we are delighted to see this next chapter for Truro Fencing Club. This strengthened partnership will provide even greater opportunities for our pupils and the wider community, helping young people to develop confidence, discipline and ambition through sport. We are excited to work alongside the UK Fencing Project to build on an already exceptional legacy and ensure fencing continues to thrive in Cornwall.”

Truro Fencing Club has a proud history of high performance. Over the years it has produced dozens of national champions, numerous Great Britain internationals, and four Olympians, earning a reputation as one of the UK’s most successful clubs.

Notable alumni of both Truro Fencing Club and Truro School include James Honeybone, a 2012 London Olympian, a 5-time British Champion and World top 30 fencer; Caitlin Maxwell a 7-time British Champion, European Championship finalist, and world top 25 fencer; and Will Deary, 4-time British Champion, European Games medallist and World top 30 fencer.

With the club now thriving under its new leadership, there is a strong commitment to building on that legacy and renewing Truro’s standing as a powerhouse in British fencing.

The club’s new Head Coach, Marius Dobel-Ober, commented:

“As a young fencer, Truro Fencing Club was always held up to me as the absolute Gold Standard in British Fencing, and to have the opportunity now to lead the club is a dream come true. Our partnership with Truro School is essential to us in developing and growing both the participation and performance aspects of fencing, and to be able to work as part of the UK Fencing Project gives us access to additional expertise and resources which will secure our future as a high-performance centre.”

With new leadership, upgraded facilities and strong local partnerships, Truro Fencing Club is now refocused on growing membership at all levels and age groups, developing competitive athletes, and re-establishing itself as a centre of excellence for fencing in the region.

Anyone interested in trying fencing or re-joining the club is encouraged to get in touch and be part of this new phase in the club’s history.

For exceptionally talented fencers, our Truro School Fencing Scholarship Programme offers additional opportunities to develop sporting potential alongside academic success

If you would like to find out more about our fencing programme, scholarships or boarding opportunities, please contact our friendly Admissions Team on 01872 246062 or email [email protected].