The recipients of our grants are all dedicated to either participating in sport at a high level or to providing opportunities for young people to participate in sport.

2012 Jacob Gander-Compton
Jacob Gander-Compton

Sport

Fencing

Achievements to date

    2013 - England U20 Fencing Team
    2012 - Great Britain U17 Fencing Team
    2012 - England U18 Fencing Team
    2012 - represented England at UK School Games, Team Gold Medal
    2012 - represented England at UK School Games, Individual Bronze Medal
    2011 - British National Championships, Bronze Medal

Fencing is an unusual sport to become interested in, for many people they don’t even know what it is. For me I was lucky to have a friend that fenced and whom introduced me to the sport at the age of 9. From the first day I tried the sport I never looked back as my love for it was so great. I first started competing when I was 11 and this was in foil, my first competition I was placed 1st this was a sign for great things to come. As I left my primary school I found Sabre to be my preferred weapon of choice and have stuck to that since. I have now been competing ever since. I have represented Great Britain at U15, U17 and U20 level and also England at U18. As for most athletes my dream is to compete at the Olympic Games but in our sport we have not had much success over the past and it is my ambition to do better.

Most memorable sporting achievement to date

U18 British Champion.

Biggest sporting disappointment to date

Getting cut after the pools in Poland.

Most respected sportsperson

Martin Johnson (Rugby).

Ritual before sporting competition

The way I get ready…shorts then T-shirt then left fencing sock then right fencing sock then left training sock then right training sock then long sleeved T-Shirt then left shoe then right shoe.

First of all I would like to say one huge Thank You for everything you have done for me to progress in my sporting life.

To start with I thought that i would tell you the current position I’m in within the sport. After many years of hard work I have reached the Senior National Sabre team for Great Britain, I have travelled to many countries competing on the main stage in Grand Prix and World Cup events, competing against some of the best in the world.

Before I had your funding, life of fencing was a huge struggle for me, trying to keep up with all the competitions, finances were short and some competitions were missed, your funding gave me an amazing opportunity to take part in all that I needed to.

Before I had your funding, I was part of the Cadet national squad competing abroad was very hard on my family and caused a lot of stress for me when competing, your funding allowed me to de-stress and climb my way into the GB team which competed at the European Championships U20.

I’ve gained a lot of experiences through the three years of funding, going to different places, using the money to train abroad and not just better my fencing but learnt about new ways of life to better me as a person. Funding young athletes trying to break onto an international stage is so important, as it was so important for me when I was so lucky to achieve your funding.

From when I first had a meeting with one of your Trustees, my ambitions and goals have not changed one bit, I am still on track for 2020 Olympic in Tokyo and that is my goal, my dream and hopefully I will make it.

Lastly I would like to say Thank You again, not just for the money but for the allowance this gave for me to better in my sport, better in my life and open my eyes to new experiences, new friends and ultimately help me get that all important one step nearer my goal. I will always remember the great support you gave me and hopefully all other young athletes will appreciate it just as much as I did.

Our partners

  • Firmin
  • Kent County Council
  • Partner advert

Did you know

Since 2008, £142,469 has been awarded to individuals and organisations.