The sixth annual Cheshire Primary Schools Fencing Tournament was a culmination of a year’s dedicated training by pupils under the expert guidance of international fencing coach Valerijs Scipanovs.

Talented young fencers from Guilden Sutton Primary School won the trophy for the third time in six years.

After winning their matches against Tarvin Primary 2-1 and Delamere Academy Cof E Primary 3-0  in the direct elimination stages, Guilden Sutton beat Overleigh St Mary’s CofE Primary School in the final while the King’s Junior School fencers claimed bronze in the fight against the Delamere Academy Cof E Primary School team one, for whom this was their first competition.

Overleigh St Mary's Cof E Primary school team silver medalists
Overleigh St Mary's Cof E Primary school team silver medalists

The Chester Fencing Club head coach Valerijs Scipanovs is proud of the high standard of fencing achieved by the primary school pupils.

He is certain there are not many primary schools in the whole of the UK where pupils are introduced to ‘electric fencing’ as only plastic equipment is commonly used in fencing lessons.

The King's Junior School bronze medalists
The King's Junior School bronze medalists

When Valerijs started running pre and after school clubs in Cheshire seven years ago, he saw the talent and enthusiasm of young fencers and decided to gradually introduce metal foils and later on ‘electric’ fencing after having completed the introductory course into fencing with plastic weapons.

This proved to be popular with fencers and, to motivate them further, Valerijs started running annual fencing tournaments which are always popular equally with fencers and their families who always attend in large numbers to support their children.

Valerijs would like to thank the Catholic High School in Ellesmere Port for their continuous support for the tournament as well as all the fencers from Cheshire high schools and Chester FC who volunteered their time and skill to help the tournament run so smoothly.