Almost four years ago, experienced fencer, coach and role model Alex McLeod decided the time was right to set up a new fencing club. In the midst of lockdown, when many felt isolated and had lost their sport, Alex recognised that people needed support and a sense of community more than ever.
Wanting to provide that help for those in his community, Alex and a group of friends founded Dunedin Fencing Club in Edinburgh.
“The club is focussed on sport for good. The vibe of the club has always been that sport is a tool to help people live a good life. Sport is also fun! Our approach is all about using sport to help people lead a better life,” he told us.
A clear vision
With a focus on inclusion and participation, Alex had a clear vision of a club that would prioritise participation for everyone, having fun and learning in safe way above all else. Having been involved in fencing since he was 11, Alex loved the sport and the community that fencing brought him. Thanks to an inspiring coach and an environment that involved people of all ages and backgrounds, Alex fell in love with fencing.
Admitting that he didn’t always love all aspects of fencing and struggled with competitive pressure, Alex told us that having a supportive environment has kept him going and has developed his love for the sport.
A role model to others
With his commitment and determination, Alex is undoubtedly a role model to the people he supports in the club. He is also clear about who the role models in his life have been.
“There are two people I think of as role models,” he expressed.
“My first coach who supported me from the start of my fencing journey. He knew when I was finding things challenging and he understood the pressure I felt when I was competing, he really was an amazing person. He kept me looking in the right direction and looked after me. I am always trying to apply the positive coaching approach that he embraced to my own fencers.
“My dad is also someone I look up to and that’s for two reasons. His caring, supportive attitude is very reassuring, and his work ethic is incredible. I’ve definitely learned the benefits of having a strong work ethic from my dad and I’m really grateful for that.”
Meeting people’s needs
Encouraging young people and beginners to try fencing is important to Alex and the club membership and participation numbers have been steadily rising. With a clear ambition to continue to grow, Alex has been instrumental in developing programmes that are tailored to meet the needs of specific groups.
With initiatives like the 7 week beginners’ course, support with kit hire to spread the cost and programmes like Fencing Pride for the LGBTQ+ community, Fencing for Wellbeing and Parafencing, Dunedin Fencing Club is demonstrating their commitment to inclusion.
Sense of community
When asked what it is about fencing that Alex loves, he shares that it’s the sense of community and feeling of belonging that matters most to him. He wants to use the club and the fact that fencing is naturally sociable, to help people of all ages understand that they can thrive in a positive environment, they can be themselves, be respectful and respected by others .
Fencing is an exciting mix of athletic sport and tactical combat and provides a great way to exercise both body and mind. While it is a combat sport based on the ancient art of sword-fighting and the aim is to hit your opponent, and avoid being hit, it is a very safe sport. Keen to keep things simple, Alex describes fencing in his own words.
“Fencing is like playing tag, but with swords, and instead of a playground to run around in, you’re playing tag on a long strip.”
This simplified summary of what may look like a complex sport, illustrates that Alex and Dunedin Fencing Club have a vision to develop a club that invests in the physical and mental wellbeing of its fencers to develop people who are happy, healthy and active members of society. This is backed up by easy to understand guidelines on how to behave so that when beginners join, they know exactly what’s expected - be safe, be nice, have fun.
More info
Fencing Club in Edinburgh | Dunedin Fencing Club (square.site)
Scottish Fencing (scottish-fencing.com)
