Recommendations to Help New Graduates Stay Involved
Drawing from the challenges alumni faced, here are key recommendations to help new graduates maintain their connection with fencing. These strategies aim to address common barriers and foster sustained involvement.
🤔 This is part of a special report: After Fencing to reveal greater insights on engagement after graduation. Check out the full report for deeper analysis.
Key Insights:
- Expand Access to Local Clubs and Communities: Increase awareness of existing clubs and create outreach programs for areas lacking fencing communities.
- Promote Flexible Participation Options: Offer programs that accommodate varying schedules and financial situations, such as pay-as-you-go or seasonal memberships.
- Provide Support for Health and Wellness: Develop resources and workshops focused on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and fitness tailored for fencers.
- Build Social Connections and Alumni Networks: Create alumni fencing leagues, social events, and mentorship programs to keep graduates connected.
- Encourage Lifelong Learning and Growth: Offer opportunities for skill development, such as workshops, tournaments, or certification programs for coaching and refereeing.
These recommendations aim to proactively address barriers while promoting an inclusive and supportive fencing community for new graduates.
| Recommendation | Action Item Example | Ideal Response |
|---|---|---|
| Expand Access to Clubs and Resources | Establish partnerships with local organizations and create online directories of clubs to bridge gaps in availability. | "It was hard finding a club nearby after graduation. A searchable directory would have helped a lot." |
| Promote Flexible Options | Introduce short-term memberships, virtual training options, and affordable equipment rentals. | "As a recent grad, I couldn't commit full-time, but a flexible schedule and budget-friendly gear helped me." |
| Support Health and Wellness | Offer injury prevention programs, partner with physiotherapists, and promote mental health resources. | "Workshops on preventing common fencing injuries gave me the confidence to return after a shoulder issue." |
| Build Social Connections | Create alumni networks, host regional meet-ups, and facilitate mentorship opportunities between alumni and students. | "Joining an alumni league kept me connected and motivated to stay active in fencing." |
| Encourage Skill Development | Provide post-college training programs for coaching, refereeing, or competing in tournaments. | "Getting certified as a referee gave me a new way to stay involved and contribute to the community." |
👉 Continue the conversation.
Head over to Fencing.Community's Facebook page Bladework to connect with other alumni, share your experiences, and keep the dialogue going!
We’d love to hear more stories and insights from fencers like you.
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- Recommendations
- Key Insights
- Implementation Options
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