A SwordSeat to make Fencing more accessible

Aim: Heart of Devon Swords, a community fencing club, seeks to offer 'seated fencing' accessible for all.

Who are we?

Heart of Devon Swords is a community fencing club. I'm Jason Ball, the coach*. That's me, dressed in black. 

(*British Fencing registered coach.)

Why are we crowdfunding?

We aim to offer seated fencing so the club is more accessible. One of the young fencers had to switch to seated fencing temporarily this year, and the experience was an eye opener. 

British Fencing has launched a new innovation - the SwordSeat™ - and suddenly seated fencing with proper kit feels attainable. This is a flat-pack seat system that is easy to transport and suitable for a wide range of fencers - whether they have mobility problems or not, fencers can train together on an 'equal' basis. 

How we’ll spend the money raised

We are fundraising for our first Sword Seat™ set plus essential extras (base target £600), and ideally a pair of covers for Epee fencers (another £500). (Made of a conductive lame fabric, to cleverly make sure the fencers don't accidentally score a point for hitting the chair!) 

Any surplus funds, above these targets, will go towards more accessibility kit for fencing clubs around Devon. We have teamed up with Devon County Fencing Union (DCFU) so all donations go direct to their bank account, which means DCFU can ensure every penny raised goes to boost the sport! 

Budget breakdown.

Estimates or prices direct from suppliers. 

• SwordSeat £400 Qty:1 = £400 
• Ratchet Straps £10 Qty:3 = £30 
• Grip tape (handle covering) £10 
• Gaffer cloth tape £5 
• Dense cushions (or foam cut to size) £15, Qty:2 = £30 
• Leg straps for fencer £25,  Qty:2 = £50 
• 10m connecting cable (wheelchair to recorder)  £35 Qty:2 = £70 
• Full inox conductive cover (Epee only)  £250 Qty:2 = £500 
• Postage: fencing kit order £15. 

Total £1,100. 

Community impact

By being able to offer Fencing to a much wider range of people, we can share the joy and excitement (and the health benefits!) of this fast-action sport. The Paris 2024 Paralympics were a glorious spectacle - boosting accessibility will help us to respond to that inspiration. People who dream of reaching the Paralympics might even start their journey with Heart of Devon Swords!  

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help Heart of Devon Swords reach our goal, and make this project a reality. Remember, even if we overshoot the funding targets, it's all going to boost accessibility in Devon Fencing. 

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay - momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on social media pages and get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Come and play. How about a Fencing workshop with friends? Do you know somebody who'd love to try seated swordplay? Can you help us connect with people who would benefit from seated fencing? 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 11th August 2025 at 11:31pm