Fast and Female is thrilled to announce Built to Fence, an exciting new multi-week program designed to introduce girls to the sport of fencing while empowering them through sport and education. This pilot program is a collaboration between Fast and Female (F&F) and Epic Fencing Club (EFC), made possible through the incredible generosity from a kind and supportive family who is actively involved at Epic Fencing Club.
Taking place in Calgary, Alberta, from March to May 2025, Built to Fence will provide girls aged 6 to 13 with an inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and engaging introduction to fencing. Through this program, we aim to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in sport and beyond.
Fencing is a unique sport that encourages focus, strategic thinking, and discipline—all while being incredibly fun and engaging. With the guidance of experienced coaches from Epic Fencing Club, participants will learn the fundamentals of fencing while also engaging in Fast and Female’s curriculum, which focuses on confidence, safe sport, and leadership.
Each session will include a fencing lesson, and Fast and Female curriculum focused on healthy, positive body image for girls in sport. We are so grateful for the support of Vanessa Coulbeck, Fast and Female Role Model and researcher at the University of Toronto, for the development of the curriculum.
Program Details
- Dates: Saturdays, March 15 – April 26, with a special Donut Tournament on May 3
(No session on April 19; participants will have the opportunity to watch a fencing tournament at EFC that day.) - Age Groups & Schedule:
- Ages 6-9 (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) – 90-minute sessions, including 30 minutes of intro, curriculum, and snacks, followed by 60 minutes of fencing.
- Ages 10-13 (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM) – 105-minute sessions, including 30 minutes of intro, curriculum, and snacks, followed by 90 minutes of fencing.
- Number of Participants: 20 per age group (40 total)
- Location: Epic Fencing, 3309 9 St. SE, Calgary, AB
- Cost: FREE (thanks to the generous support of the kind family involved at Epic Fencing)