MAISIE Everett, a member of Wellington Swords Fencing Club, has been selected by the England Fencing team for 2019.
Everett, who receives support from the GLL Sports Foundation, will head to Poland in March as part of a six-strong Under-13 girls Epee team, to represent England in Challenge Wratislavia.
This international competition attracts more than a thousand fencers over five days, and England Fencing sees the event as an important way to develop youth fencers for senior participation in the Five Nations and Commonwealth Championships.
Everett's selection is a fitting reward at the end of a busy year of competition, with her competing all over the country in 16 events, claiming five gold medals, one silver and six bronze – including two champion titles for the South West region, a bronze in the British Youth Championships and an Under-14 IAPS win.
She has also just finished the Elite Epee season ranked No.1 in her age group.
She has been fencing competitively for two years, and trains twice a week in both Foil and Epee at The Princess Royal Sports Complex in Wellington, with coach Jon Mason.
Everett, who lives in Churchinford, also has Foil training at school with Jaqui Besley, a former international fencer and Commonwealth medallist who now runs King's Hall School Fencing Club.
FOCUS: Maisie Everett has had a busy year of competition. Pic: Matt Sweeting
Mason said: “We’re really proud of Maisie and the commitment she puts into her training and competing.
"Juggling training with her school commitments and family life at this age is very difficult, but she has coped remarkably well and her selection is testament to her ability to remain positive and focused across the year."
Wellington Swords club manager Jane Brown added: “We encourage children and adults to make the most of their ability, which is why it is so pleasing to see a young person selected to represent their country.
"Fencing is an ideal sport for those who do not enjoy the traditional team and ball sports, but we need more fencers to offer our youngsters more local sparring partners."
Wellington Swords has been running for 15 years and welcomes fencers of all ages and abilities, from young beginners of eight to seasoned veterans of 80, and both serious competitors and recreational fencers.
Many members are social fencers, but on the competitive side, the club has had a string of national champions and international representatives.
The club meets on Mondays and Thursdays at The Princess Royal Sports Complex; for more information, email info@wellington-swords.club or visit the Facebook page.
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