Run by local fencing champion Terry Watts, the showcase at the markets will feature the PCYC junior fencers and athletes from the University of New England’s fencing club. 

The fencers will also have a sign up on the day for anyone who is interested in giving the sport a go. 

Watts said there is no experience necessary to try fencing and it is a great sport to take up at any age. 

“The reason I chose to become a coach and take on the role of head coach of the Northern Tablelands and New England is because you can have anyone from kids to someone that is 80 years old doing the sport,” he said.

“The best thing for me is it is an individual sport.

“There are team aspects as in five person team challenges but it is still a very individual journey you take as a fencer when you are first trying out.

“There is so much personal development involved in the sport that just isn’t offered in any of the other sports that are offered in Armidale. 

Watts said athletes have the opportunity to compete at local and social events as well representative level competitions. 

“There’s always duelling dates within the club and then there’s the club competition, The Watts Cup, which is the one I run up here,” he said.

“It is the internal social competition. “Outside of that, they can attend any NSW fencing event because the membership is a NSW fencing membership when they join up and they can fence at any PCYC or any NSW fencing club. 

“We have actually been quite successful.”

The PCYC hold training on Thursdays 4pm-5pm for juniors and 5-6pm for adults with a mixed class on Sundays from 12pm. 

Beginners are always welcome and equipment is provided.