what to do for a promising fencer?

[intello]

Hello,
I m a father of 15 years old foilist. He is a top fencer now in our country. We already have spent more than 6 years for this sport and I/he don’t want him stop it.
Since We have a very difficult entrance exam for the university. Youth at these stage must spend almost all their times for preparation to this exam. This means quit fencing. On the other side a good education required for the next generation at this millennium. At this point what could you advise to us? Do you think that a good fencer can find any scholarship and have his education while improving his fencing to an international level? Or any suggestions??
Thanks.

[JEC]

Fencing scholarships in the USA are quite difficult to obtain for men, however, partial scholarships to foreign talented fencers are not unheard of. Depending on how well he does in Cadet or Junior World Cups, he might get offer one if you come to the US. Talk to the people in the American Embassy about other Exchange Scholarships available. Now, regarding American College Coaches, the NCAA (collegiate league) has athlete recruiting rules that the Coaches have to follow regarding how, when, and why the can contact you or respond to your questions.

[glowstix]

i wouldn't say talk to the embassy...their job is to keep people out of the US..LOL!! i'd say do some research into which universities have good fencing programs then apply there letting them know about his fencing abilities, accomplishments, etc...he might be able to get a partial scholarship like the last post said.

[fencingguy]

I would send a letter to the coaches of some of the larger Universities with Fencing teams. Schools such as Penn State, Notre Dame, St. John's, etc... They offer competitive programs that can possibly help him improve to an international level, and all give scholarships (full and partial) to successful international competitors. In your letter I would express your interest in attending university in the US if thats what he wants and some basic information about his fencing and Academic skills. Then the coaches can help you find out the rest of the information you would need to help your son pursue that opportunity. Good luck!

[jeff]

intello, the above advice mentions the US, but the same ideas should be just as valid for Europe. Closer to home for you, and obviously providing opportunities for both fencing and scholarship. Wherever your son goes, he'll have to balance his scholastic and his athletic interests.

[veeco]

Actually, Europe might be a little different. No University that I know of gives scholarships in France, esp. for fencing. But then again, most good universities in France are public ones and don't cost too much, compared to their US counterparts...

Don't know for other countries, like UK, Germany or Italy though... But you may find it will be a lot different from one country to the other. For example, the UK might be giving scholarships for fencing in some of their schools, but then, who wants to train there? Even their top fencers go to the US now :-)

[MikeHarm]

I'd ask the question, whats best for the kid's long term future? I wouldn't throw away the kid's chance at college and a successful career if thats what not studying for the test meant.

[JEC]

Although the US embassy aims to keep people away from immigrating to the US, it also plays an important role in wanting to foster US education for future leaders in those countries. You might find that there are other types of scholarships and exchange programs at the cultural attache from the Embassy. Education is the goal, while fencing is a fun activity that might help achieving the goal.

[Boo Boo]

Hhhmm, the UK top female sabreur trains at a US university... (not ALL of our top fencers, Veeco ;-)). Our top male sabreur trains in France, apparently. Our top foilists live and train in the UK with occassional trips to Poland.

UK universities do not offer schiolarships. There are one or two (Newcastle and Northumbria, mainly) that offer bursaries (up to £3000, if you are doing really well) towards fencing related costs, but that's about it.

You might want to research France and Germany and possibly Poland (although there might be more language problems there...) - although you will be lucky to get much money for it :-(

Boo

[intello]

Hello again,
First of all I want to thank you all for kind replays. That’s really great to have such wealthy information on the subject I wanted. I will present some details of our fencer here: its 2nd year of cadet and have a place on standings of 2nd in cadet and 1st in juniors. He won the last national senior tourney (cup of unforgettable). He is now attending to Junior European Championship with national team.
I want to explain one thing that our goal is not to have a scholarship abroad. I don’t have any problem related with his education but I wish he to improve his fencing at the world level.
Firstly, I want to find some sponsorship with our detailed program aiming for this goal in my country, If not I will try for abroad. I will consider all your comments.
Thank you again )

[sabreman]

Use to be a good number of mens scholarships back in the 1970s and early 1980s but Title 9 put end to that along with many top teams (for example the ACC had top 5 teams Maryland and Clemson which had a least 5 - 6 full scholarships per team ).